6 Ideas for Transitioning from Combo Capsules to POPS
Mixture capsules and progestin-only capsules, aka POPs, are the 2 primary kinds of contraception capsules in the marketplace. Mixture capsules have two kinds of hormones, estrogen, and progestin, whereas POPs include solely the latter.
The mix 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 folks with situations like blood-clotting points or arterial illnesses. They’re additionally safer for higher-weight folks, 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, chances are you’ll must go on POPs. Or you will have determined to change contraception since you’ve been scuffling with the uncomfortable side effects of mixture capsules. No matter your causes for switching, listed below are some ideas to assist ease the transition to POPs.
6 Methods To Ease The Transition ToPOPs
1. Get a Beginning 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 is usually a enormous headache if you want a refill. Some states additionally nonetheless enable pharmacists to disclaim you your capsules for spiritual causes, which may imply problematic delays.
Contemplate preserving an additional pack round in case you lose one or if you happen to’re planning any journey. A contraception subscription is straightforward 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 assist you to rise up to 3 months’ value of capsules at a time.
2. Set Reminders or Alarms on Your Cellphone
When you’ve been taking mixture capsules, you most likely have already got a reminder in your cellphone to take them day by day. However you may also be used to hitting snooze on that cellphone alarm and taking the capsules just a little later.
With progestin-only capsules, it’s tremendous necessary to at all times take your capsules on time. Some capsules have a couple of 12-hour window, however conventional POPs will be taken not more than three hours late. You may wish to set a couple of alarms in a row in case you neglect you ignored the primary one.
Another choice to contemplate is a Bluetooth-connected good case in your progestin-only capsules. The Emme Good Case connects along with your cellphone 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 capsule out of the pack.
3. Put together for Cycle Adjustments
Being on progestin-only capsules can imply large 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 trip.
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, generally for days on finish.
When you’d slightly not free-bleed, bear in mind to maintain mild pads or tampons available, simply in case. You possibly can additionally spend money on lined interval lingerie so that you’re at all times ready for recognizing.
4. Stockpile Backup Strategies
POPs have a decrease efficacy fee than mixture capsules, even when used accurately. And with POPs, your threat of being pregnant goes up a lot quicker if you happen to miss a dose. For that reason, you may wish to use a backup technique or have some emergency choices on the prepared.
One chance is to maintain the morning-after capsule available (or a prescription possibility like ella if you happen to weigh greater than 165 lbs). You possibly can additionally hold condoms or different barrier strategies available to be used if you happen to miss a dose.
When you don’t bear in mind to maintain backup contraception round, it’s nonetheless attainable to get last-minute emergency contraception on-line. And if you happen to assume you may’ve missed a dose at any level, think about using a condom simply in case.
5. Contemplate 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 could take heed to what else you’re placing in your physique.
As with the mix 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 unsure a couple of drug.
Some dietary supplements, particularly St. John’s Wort, may enhance the chance 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 technique.
6. Know the Dangers
Some research be aware that POPs can carry a better threat of despair than mixture capsules. If in case you 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 larger threat for ectopic being pregnant than mixture capsules. Think about using a backup barrier technique to mitigate the chance of an ectopic being pregnant.
If in case you 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 challenge.
Taking the Leap
There are numerous causes you may resolve to change from mixture capsules to POPs. However it’s necessary 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 might take a little bit of trial and error to search out the best contraception for you.
