6 Suggestions for Transitioning from Combo Capsules to POPS

Mixture tablets and progestin-only tablets, aka POPs, are the 2 major kinds of contraception tablets in the marketplace. Mixture tablets have two kinds 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 individuals with situations like blood-clotting points or arterial ailments. 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 just lately had a child, chances are you’ll have to go on POPs. Or you could have determined to change contraception since you’ve been battling the negative effects of mixture tablets. 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 improve your threat of being pregnant. That’s why you’ll need to be sure you at all times have loads of tablets on the prepared.

Pharmacies can run out of your model, which is usually a large headache while you want a refill. Some states additionally nonetheless permit pharmacists to disclaim you your tablets for non secular causes, which might imply problematic delays.

Contemplate retaining 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 can assist make sure you by no means run out of tablets. It additionally permits for extra privateness than selecting your tablets up in particular person as a result of your prescription is discreetly delivered to your door. Some on-line choices let you stand up to a few months’ price of tablets at a time.

2. Set Reminders or Alarms on Your Cellphone

When you’ve been taking mixture tablets, you most likely 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 tablets somewhat later.

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

An alternative choice to contemplate is a Bluetooth-connected good case in your progestin-only tablets. The Emme Good Case connects along with your cellphone and reminds you to take your tablets on time. It doesn’t simply know while you’ve opened the case — it senses while you take a tablet out of the pack.

3. Put together for Cycle Modifications

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

Progestin-only tablets can lighten your typical menstrual move and even cut 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 somewhat not free-bleed, keep in mind to maintain mild pads or tampons readily available, simply in case. You could possibly 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 tablets, even when used accurately. And with POPs, your threat of being pregnant goes up a lot quicker when you miss a dose. Because of this, you may need to use a backup methodology or have some emergency choices on the prepared.

One chance is to maintain the morning-after tablet readily available (or a prescription choice like ella when you weigh greater than 165 lbs). You could possibly additionally hold condoms or different barrier strategies readily available to be used when you 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 when you suppose you may’ve missed a dose at any level, think about using a condom simply in case.

5. Contemplate Your Different Drugs

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

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

Some dietary supplements, particularly St. John’s Wort, can even improve 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, at all times use a backup barrier methodology.

6. Know the Dangers

Some research word that POPs can carry a better threat of despair than mixture tablets. When 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 modifications in your temper after you begin taking the brand new tablets.

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

When 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 problem.

Taking the Leap

There are various causes you may determine to change from mixture tablets to POPs. However it’s vital to do not forget that everybody’s physique reacts in another way to hormones. While you change prescriptions, pay shut consideration to any modifications in negative effects and get assist if one thing appears off. Keep in mind that it could take a little bit of trial and error to seek out the correct contraception for you.