1. Switch It Up
There are a lot of reasons for deciding to switch birth-control pills. Mood swings, cramping, weight gain, changes in your menstrual cycle and monthly cost are all reasons you might find yourself considering a switch. But all birth-control pills are not the same, and each of them can have different effects on your body. It's important to be educated and know how to switch birth-control pills safely and efficiently.
2. What's Inside Counts
Birth-control pills contain estrogens and progesterones that prevent pregnancy, but the estrogens in each type of pill vary. The estrogens that a pill contains affect your body's reaction to the medication. If you're switching birth-control pills because of bad side effects like cramping or heavy bleeding, switch to a pill that does not contain the same estrogens as your current pill. If you're not experiencing any negative side effects and have decided to switch birth-control pills for reasons like convenience or cost, switch to a pill similar to the one you've been taking.
3. Start at the Beginning
When you switch birth-control pills, you should switch at the beginning of a cycle for the best results. Finish taking the placebo pills from your old birth control, then start the new birth-control pill on the day that you would normally start a new pack. Taking your birth control following your usual pattern help minimize the effects that changing birth-control pills can have on your body and your menstrual cycle.
4. Take It on Time
It's important to take your new birth-control pill at the same time every day and to try not to miss doses. Missed doses increase the amount of time it takes for your body to adjust to the new birth-control pill. Taking your birth control inconsistently makes it more difficult for the medication to do its job. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you can and use a backup method of birth control as a precaution.
5. Ask the Experts
Switching birth-control pills can be confusing because of all the different types of pills and options that are available. Your doctor or pharmacist can help by answering any questions you have about the differences between various birth-control pills. Your doctor can find a birth-control pill that will work for you based on your history, and your pharmacist can make sure that your new birth-control pill won't interact with any other medications you're taking.
