6 Ideas for Transitioning from Combo Capsules to POPS

Mixture capsules and progestin-only capsules, aka POPs, are the 2 important varieties of contraception capsules available on the market. Mixture capsules have two varieties of hormones, estrogen, and progestin, whereas POPs include solely the latter.

The mix tablet 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 circumstances 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.

When you’ve been recognized with a brand new medical situation or lately had a child, you could must go on POPs. Or you will have determined to modify contraception since you’ve been scuffling with the uncomfortable side effects of mixture capsules. No matter your causes for switching, listed here are some suggestions to assist ease the transition to POPs.

6 Methods To Ease The Transition ToPOPs

1. Get a Delivery Management Subscription

Once 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 wish to be sure to at all times have loads of capsules on the prepared.

Pharmacies can run out of your model, which could be a big headache once you want a refill. Some states additionally nonetheless permit pharmacists to disclaim you your capsules for spiritual causes, which may imply problematic delays.

Think about holding an additional pack round in case you lose one or if you happen to’re planning any journey. A contraception subscription is simple to get on-line and will help make sure you by no means run out of capsules. It additionally permits for extra privateness than selecting your capsules up in individual as a result of your prescription is discreetly delivered to your door. Some on-line choices help you rise up to a few months’ price of capsules at a time.

2. Set Reminders or Alarms on Your Telephone

When you’ve been taking mixture capsules, you most likely have already got a reminder in your telephone to take them daily. However you may also be used to hitting snooze on that telephone alarm and taking the capsules somewhat later.

With progestin-only capsules, it’s tremendous vital to at all times take your capsules on time. Some capsules have a couple of 12-hour window, however conventional POPs could be taken not more than three hours late. You would possibly wish to set a number of alarms in a row in case you neglect you ignored the primary one.

Another choice to think about is a Bluetooth-connected sensible case in your progestin-only capsules. The Emme Good Case connects along with your telephone and reminds you to take your capsules on time. It doesn’t simply know once you’ve opened the case — it senses once you take a tablet out of the pack.

3. Put together for Cycle Adjustments

Being on progestin-only capsules can imply massive adjustments in your regular interval. Don’t be alarmed, however if you happen to’re used to the regularity of mixture capsules, prepare for a wild new experience.

Progestin-only capsules can lighten your typical menstrual move and even scale back the frequency of cramps or painful intervals. However they will additionally trigger breakthrough bleeding or recognizing all through the month, typically for days on finish.

When you’d moderately not free-bleed, keep in mind to maintain gentle pads or tampons readily available, simply in case. You would additionally spend money on lined interval underwear so that you’re at all times ready for recognizing.

4. Stockpile Backup Strategies

POPs have a decrease efficacy charge than mixture capsules, even when used appropriately. And with POPs, your threat of being pregnant goes up a lot quicker if you happen to miss a dose. For that reason, you would possibly wish to use a backup methodology or have some emergency choices on the prepared.

One risk is to maintain the morning-after tablet readily available (or a prescription choice like ella if you happen to weigh greater than 165 lbs). You would additionally hold condoms or different barrier strategies readily available to be used if you happen to miss a dose.

When you don’t keep in mind to maintain backup contraception round, it’s nonetheless potential 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 Medicines

One main benefit of POPs is that they don’t have as many uncomfortable side effects or contraindications as mixture capsules. However there are some circumstances the place you have to take heed to what else you’re placing in your physique.

As with the mixture tablet, some antibiotics could make POPs much less efficient, growing your possibilities of unplanned being pregnant. Converse to a healthcare supplier or get a web based session if you happen to’re unsure a couple of drug.

Some dietary supplements, specifically St. John’s Wort, may 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, at all times use a backup barrier methodology.

6. Know the Dangers

Some research word that POPs can carry the next threat of despair than mixture capsules. You probably have a historical past of psychological well being points, point out it in your session earlier than getting a prescription for POPs. Pay shut consideration to any adjustments in your temper after you begin taking the brand new capsules.

POPs may put you at a a lot greater threat for ectopic being pregnant than mixture capsules. Think about using a backup barrier methodology to mitigate the danger of an ectopic being pregnant.

You probably have ideas of suicide or self-harm, name your native disaster hotline or 988, The Suicide & Disaster Lifeline. When you 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 severe situation.

Taking the Leap

There are numerous causes you would possibly resolve to modify from mixture capsules to POPs. Nevertheless it’s vital to do not forget that everybody’s physique reacts otherwise to hormones. Once you change prescriptions, pay shut consideration to any adjustments in uncomfortable side effects and get assist if one thing appears off. Do not forget that it could take a little bit of trial and error to seek out the best contraception for you.