Dr. Ahmad has seen a lot of her personal sufferers take oral contraceptive tablets for a number of years just because that’s what was advisable and out there to them after they first wanted contraception. “They only determined to stay with them as a result of it was what their mates have been doing they usually didn’t contemplate anything,” Dr. Ahmad says. “Over time, as they discovered about different choices, [some of] which don’t require them to take a tablet each day, a lot of them switched.”
Your contraception has failed.
An excellent indication that you simply want a brand new contraception methodology: Your present one has failed you. As in, you have been utilizing it and nonetheless received pregnant. In some circumstances, the failure could also be because of the incapability to take it as advisable; in different circumstances, failure might happen regardless of good or near-perfect use, Dr. Ahmad says.
Fast reminder—no contraception is 100% efficient. For example, if the tablet is used completely, it’s 99% efficient, however the life like fee (with “typical use,” or the best way that almost all of individuals really use it, which may embody often lacking doses) is extra like 91%, in keeping with Deliberate Parenthood. If you happen to get pregnant whereas on contraception, have a dialogue together with your physician to determine why it was that the strategy failed so you may choose a way that’s a greater match for you.
Are there any dangers of switching contraception strategies?
Usually, switching from one contraception methodology to a different doesn’t include any critical dangers. Simply be certain that your physician has all of your up-to-date well being particulars so that you simply’re not switching to a way you’ve a contraindication for.
Some unintended effects, like irregular menstruation, are regular whenever you swap the form of contraception you’re taking. They’re merely a case of your physique adjusting to the brand new methodology, which may take as much as six to eight weeks, Samantha M. Dunham, MD, medical affiliate professor within the division of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU Langone Well being, tells SELF. If you happen to’re nonetheless having unintended effects after a few months, discuss to your doc.
“The largest draw back of switching too typically is that various kinds of contraception have totally different mechanisms of motion and when switching, there could also be a time frame that the brand new methodology is ineffective,” says Dr. Ahmad. Some types of contraception work instantly, just like the copper IUD, which may even work as an emergency contraceptive if inserted inside 5 days after unprotected intercourse. Others take longer to change into efficient, together with the tablet, ring, implant, and hormonal IUD, relying on when in your cycle you begin taking them.
Whereas your physique adjusts to a brand new contraceptive and you regulate to a brand new routine, use a dependable backup methodology, comparable to condoms, to stop being pregnant, says Dr. Baick. She provides that, relying in your present contraception methodology and the kind you need to swap to, you could want to start out utilizing your new contraception earlier than you cease utilizing the outdated one. The overlap time will depend on the actual kind of strategies in play—your physician can let you know precisely what you might want to do.
What to do if you happen to resolve to change contraception strategies
Earlier than switching your contraception, crucial factor is to satisfy together with your physician to go over your choices. “Be certain your doctor has your up to date medical historical past and understands what your preferences are when it comes to frequency of use, hormones versus no hormones, and everlasting versus reversible/non permanent,” says Dr. Ahmad. “With that info, you and your supplier can determine the very best kind of contraception on your particular wants and targets.”
There’s probably no hurt in testing out a new-to-you methodology to see if it really works higher for you and your present priorities, says Dr. Dunham. “The very best methodology for you is the one you’re glad utilizing and can use often.” If you wish to perform some research forward of your appointment together with your physician, Dr. Dunham recommends trying out Bedsider, a web based contraception help community supposed to assist forestall unplanned pregnancies.
Lastly, sustain together with your yearly annual exams to make sure that you’re nonetheless utilizing the strategy that’s finest for you, regardless of any life or well being adjustments that pop up. Similar to some other side of your general well being, your contraception is worthy of your consideration. Even when checking in simply confirms that you simply’re heading in the right direction, that’s nice to know too.
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