Dr. Ahmad has seen lots of her personal sufferers take oral contraceptive capsules for a number of years just because that’s what was really helpful and obtainable to them once they first wanted contraception. “They only determined to stay with them as a result of it was what their buddies have been doing they usually didn’t take into account anything,” Dr. Ahmad says. “Over time, as they discovered about different choices, [some of] which don’t require them to take a capsule daily, lots of them switched.”
Your contraception has failed.
A superb indication that you just want a brand new contraception technique: Your present one has failed you. As in, you have been utilizing it and nonetheless acquired pregnant. In some circumstances, the failure could also be as a result of lack of ability to take it as really helpful; 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 capsule is used completely, it’s 99% efficient, however the sensible fee (with “typical use,” or the way in which that almost all of individuals truly use it, which may embrace sometimes lacking doses) is extra like 91%, in response to Deliberate Parenthood. In case you get pregnant whereas on contraception, have a dialogue together with your physician to determine why it was that the strategy failed so you possibly can decide a way that’s a greater match for you.
Are there any dangers of switching contraception strategies?
Usually, switching from one contraception technique to a different doesn’t include any severe dangers. Simply be sure your physician has all of your up-to-date well being particulars so that you just’re not switching to a way you might have a contraindication for.
Some uncomfortable side effects, like irregular menstruation, are regular while you swap the sort of contraception you’re taking. They’re merely a case of your physique adjusting to the brand new technique, 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. In case you’re nonetheless having uncomfortable side effects after a few months, discuss to your doc.
“The most important draw back of switching too typically is that several types of contraception have totally different mechanisms of motion and when switching, there could also be a time period that the brand new technique 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 capsule, 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 modify to a brand new routine, use a dependable back-up technique, comparable to condoms, to forestall being pregnant, says Dr. Baick. She provides that, relying in your present contraception technique and the sort you wish to swap to, you might want to start out utilizing your new contraception earlier than you cease utilizing the outdated one. The overlap time relies on the actual kind of strategies in play—your physician can let you know precisely what it’s good to do.
What to do in the event you resolve to modify contraception strategies
Earlier than switching your contraception, crucial factor is to satisfy together with your physician to go over your choices. “Be sure 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 most effective kind of contraception in your particular wants and objectives.”
There’s doubtless no hurt in testing out a new-to-you technique to see if it really works higher for you and your present priorities, says Dr. Dunham. “The perfect technique for you is the one you’re comfortable utilizing and can use usually.” If you wish to perform a little research forward of your appointment together with your physician, Dr. Dunham recommends testing Bedsider, an internet 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 another facet of your general well being, your contraception is worthy of your consideration. Even when checking in simply confirms that you just’re heading in the right direction, that’s nice to know, too.
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