Once you and your doctor decide to change your birth control pill, make sure you talk about how you can make the switch while preventing pregnancy.You should still consider a barrier method if you aren’t in a monogamous relationship or if you and your partner haven’t tested negative for STIs in the last year.© 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. If you take birth control pills, you do not need to finish the pill pack before switching to another method.

If you want to switch to a new birth control pill, there are things you need to consider.You may be switching from a mini-pill to a combined pill. Some If you switched to a birth control pill that provides placebo pills, make sure to take them after you have finished the pills. You can stop taking your pill at any point in the pack. Ask your doctor what’s best for you.To keep yourself protected, you should discuss how to end your original form of birth control and start the new one.For many women, the saying “It’s better to be safe than sorry” applies when switching between types of birth control pills.

But this isn’t the case for every woman.Side effects of birth control are rarely severe. This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Taking your pill after a meal or before bed may help reduce Bleeding during your active pill days instead of only during your placebo pill days is a common side effect of birth control pills in the first months on the pill. If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. Missing a dose by several hours increases the likelihood you’ll begin ovulation. Many smartphones come equipped with a calendar that can remind you.

This handout is provided to you by your family doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians. For some women, their bodies can absorb this change in hormones without any unwanted side effects. Here’s what you should keep in mind when switching birth control pills. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2011 by the American Academy of Family Physicians.Copyright © 2020 American Academy of Family Physicians. In this article, learn how to switch birth control pills and reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. This means starting the new method before stopping the old method. This is normal. Don’t give up if the first pill you try doesn’t work well for you.When you and your doctor decide it’s time to switch pills, there are a few things you should keep in mind. They can also suggest when you should start taking the pill. Pill Packs One note about switching from pills: you don’t need to finish the birth control pill pack before switching. For example, if you do not want to keep taking the pill after you get your first progestin shot, you can use condoms instead. Even though they don’t contain any active hormones, taking them will help you stay in the habit of taking a pill every day. Backup methods include condoms and spermicide. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Both types of birth control pills are effective and safe.Many women taking birth control pills experience a few The most common side effects include headache, nausea, breakthrough bleeding, and breast tenderness.For some women, the dose of hormones may be too much, especially on an empty stomach. of birth control to another by going straight from one method to the next one – no gap! Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. This increases your risk for an unplanned pregnancy. You can stop taking your pill at any point in the pack. It is very easy to switch from your current birth control pill to a different one, although it is important to know the type of birth control pill you are switching from and what type of birth control pill you are switching to.

– and use condoms or spermicide for the first 7 days. These rules also apply to switching from one kind of pill to another kind of pill.You may have changes in your period after switching birth control methods. This can also reduce the odds that you forget to start your next pack on time.However, depending on the number of doses you skipped, your doctor may have another suggestion. The combination pill contains two hormones, estrogen and progestin. People can switch birth control pills with minimal issues by following a few simple guidelines.