6 Ideas for Transitioning from Combo Drugs to POPS

Mixture capsules and progestin-only capsules, aka POPs, are the 2 predominant sorts of contraception capsules in the marketplace. Mixture capsules have two sorts of hormones, estrogen, and progestin, whereas POPs include solely the latter.

The mixture 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 folks with situations like blood-clotting points or arterial ailments. They’re additionally safer for higher-weight folks, and anybody else in danger for a harmful situation known as venous thromboembolism.

In case you’ve been recognized with a brand new medical situation or just lately had a child, chances are you’ll have to go on POPs. Or you’ll have determined to modify contraception since you’ve been fighting the unwanted 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 Start Management Subscription

Whenever you take POPs, lacking or being late with even a single dose can dramatically enhance your danger of being pregnant. That’s why you’ll wish to be sure to all the time have loads of capsules on the prepared.

Pharmacies can run out of your model, which generally is a big headache if you want a refill. Some states additionally nonetheless permit pharmacists to disclaim you your capsules for spiritual causes, which might imply problematic delays.

Think about maintaining an additional pack round in case you lose one or when you’re planning any journey. A contraception subscription is straightforward to get on-line and might help make sure you by no means run out of capsules. It additionally permits for extra privateness than choosing your capsules up in individual 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 capsules at a time.

2. Set Reminders or Alarms on Your Telephone

In case you’ve been taking mixture capsules, you in all probability have already got a reminder in your telephone to take them day by day. However you may also be used to hitting snooze on that telephone alarm and taking the capsules just a little later.

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

An alternative choice to contemplate is a Bluetooth-connected sensible case to your progestin-only capsules. The Emme Good Case connects together with your telephone and reminds you to take your capsules on time. It doesn’t simply know if you’ve opened the case — it senses if you take a tablet out of the pack.

3. Put together for Cycle Modifications

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

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

In case you’d moderately not free-bleed, bear in mind to maintain gentle pads or tampons readily available, simply in case. You may additionally spend money on lined interval underwear so that you’re all the time ready for recognizing.

4. Stockpile Backup Strategies

POPs have a decrease efficacy charge than mixture capsules, even when used accurately. And with POPs, your danger of being pregnant goes up a lot sooner when you miss a dose. Because of this, you would possibly wish to use a backup technique or have some emergency choices on the prepared.

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

In case you don’t bear in mind to maintain backup contraception round, it’s nonetheless attainable to get last-minute emergency contraception on-line. And when you 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 capsules. However there are some circumstances the place you must take heed to what else you’re placing in your physique.

As with the mix tablet, some antibiotics could make POPs much less efficient, rising your probabilities of unplanned being pregnant. Communicate to a healthcare supplier or get a web-based session when you’re undecided a few drug.

Some dietary supplements, particularly St. John’s Wort, may also enhance the danger of unplanned being pregnant on POPs. You’re higher off not taking St. John’s Wort in any respect, however when you should, all the time use a backup barrier technique.

6. Know the Dangers

Some research word that POPs can carry the next danger of melancholy than mixture capsules. When you’ve got 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 modifications in your temper after you begin taking the brand new capsules.

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

When you’ve got ideas of suicide or self-harm, name your native disaster hotline or 988, The Suicide & Disaster Lifeline. In case 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 problem.

Taking the Leap

There are various causes you would possibly determine to modify from mixture capsules to POPs. Nevertheless it’s essential to do not forget that everybody’s physique reacts in a different way to hormones. Whenever you change prescriptions, pay shut consideration to any modifications in unwanted 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 precise contraception for you.