Mixture drugs and progestin-only drugs, aka POPs, are the 2 foremost forms of contraception drugs available on the market. Mixture drugs have two forms of hormones, estrogen, and progestin, whereas POPs comprise solely the latter.
The mixture capsule is the extra generally prescribed of the 2 as a result of it’s barely more practical — about 99% versus 94%. However POPs are sometimes prescribed for individuals with situations like blood-clotting points or arterial illnesses. They’re additionally safer for higher-weight individuals, and anybody else in danger for a harmful situation referred to as venous thromboembolism.
For those who’ve been recognized with a brand new medical situation or lately had a child, it’s possible you’ll must go on POPs. Or you might have determined to change contraception since you’ve been fighting the unwanted effects of mixture drugs. No matter your causes for switching, listed here are some ideas to assist ease the transition to POPs.
6 Methods To Ease The Transition ToPOPs
1. Get a Beginning Management Subscription
While you take POPs, lacking or being late with even a single dose can dramatically enhance your threat of being pregnant. That’s why you’ll need to be sure you all the time have loads of drugs on the prepared.
Pharmacies can run out of your model, which is usually a enormous headache while you want a refill. Some states additionally nonetheless permit pharmacists to disclaim you your drugs for spiritual causes, which might imply problematic delays.
Think about conserving an additional pack round in case you lose one or if you happen to’re planning any journey. A birth control subscription is straightforward to get on-line and can assist make sure you by no means run out of drugs. It additionally permits for extra privateness than selecting your drugs up in particular person as a result of your prescription is discreetly delivered to your door. Some on-line choices assist you to rise up to a few months’ value of drugs at a time.
2. Set Reminders or Alarms on Your Telephone
For those who’ve been taking mixture drugs, you in all probability have already got a reminder in your cellphone to take them day-after-day. However you may additionally be used to hitting snooze on that cellphone alarm and taking the drugs just a little later.
With progestin-only drugs, it’s tremendous essential to all the time take your drugs on time. Some drugs have a couple of 12-hour window, however conventional POPs may be taken not more than three hours late. You would possibly need to set just a few alarms in a row in case you neglect you ignored the primary one.
An alternative choice to think about is a Bluetooth-connected good case on your progestin-only drugs. The Emme Smart Case connects along with your cellphone and reminds you to take your drugs on time. It doesn’t simply know while you’ve opened the case — it senses while you take a capsule out of the pack.
3. Put together for Cycle Modifications
Being on progestin-only drugs can imply large modifications in your regular interval. Don’t be alarmed, however if you happen to’re used to the regularity of mixture drugs, prepare for a wild new journey.
Progestin-only drugs can lighten your typical menstrual circulate and even cut back the frequency of cramps or painful durations. However they will additionally trigger breakthrough bleeding or recognizing all through the month, typically for days on finish.
For those who’d relatively not free-bleed, keep in mind to maintain mild pads or tampons readily available, simply in case. You can additionally put money into lined interval underwear so that you’re all the time ready for recognizing.
4. Stockpile Backup Strategies
POPs have a decrease efficacy price than mixture drugs, even when used appropriately. And with POPs, your threat of being pregnant goes up a lot quicker if you happen to miss a dose. Because of this, you would possibly need to use a backup methodology or have some emergency choices on the prepared.
One risk is to maintain the morning-after capsule readily available (or a prescription choice like ella if you happen to weigh greater than 165 lbs). You can additionally hold condoms or different barrier strategies readily available to be used if you happen to miss a dose.
For those who don’t keep in mind to maintain backup contraception round, it’s nonetheless attainable to get last-minute emergency contraception on-line. And if you happen to suppose you would possibly’ve missed a dose at any level, think about using a condom simply in case.
5. Think about Your Different Drugs
One main benefit of POPs is that they don’t have as many unwanted effects or contraindications as mixture drugs. However there are some instances the place it’s worthwhile to take heed to what else you’re placing in your physique.
As with the mixture capsule, some antibiotics could make POPs much less efficient, growing your possibilities of unplanned being pregnant. Converse to a healthcare supplier or get an internet session if you happen to’re undecided a couple of drug.
Some dietary supplements, particularly St. John’s Wort, also can enhance the danger of unplanned being pregnant on POPs. You’re higher off not taking St. John’s Wort in any respect, however if you happen to should, all the time use a backup barrier methodology.
6. Know the Dangers
Some research word that POPs can carry a higher risk of depression than mixture drugs. In case you have a historical past of mental health issues, point out it in your session earlier than getting a prescription for POPs. Pay close attention to any modifications in your temper after you begin taking the brand new drugs.
POPs also can put you at a a lot increased threat for ectopic being pregnant than mixture drugs. Think about using a backup barrier methodology to mitigate the danger of an ectopic being pregnant.
In case you have ideas of suicide or self-harm, name your native disaster hotline or 988, The Suicide & Disaster Lifeline. For those who expertise sudden, extreme ache in your pelvis, stomach, and/or shoulder, name 911 or go straight to the emergency room. These could also be indicators of a extra critical concern.
Taking the Leap
There are lots of causes you would possibly determine to change from mixture drugs to POPs. Nevertheless it’s essential to do not forget that everybody’s physique reacts otherwise to hormones. While you swap prescriptions, pay shut consideration to any modifications in unwanted effects and get assist if one thing appears off. Keep in mind that it could take a little bit of trial and error to search out the precise contraception for you.
