6 Ideas for Transitioning from Combo Tablets to POPS

Mixture capsules and progestin-only capsules, aka POPs, are the 2 essential sorts of contraception capsules in the marketplace. Mixture capsules have two sorts of hormones, estrogen, and progestin, whereas POPs comprise 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 illnesses. They’re additionally safer for higher-weight individuals, and anybody else in danger for a harmful situation referred to as venous thromboembolism.

Should you’ve been recognized with a brand new medical situation or not too long ago had a child, you could have to go on POPs. Or you will have determined to change contraception since you’ve been combating 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

If 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 need to be sure you all the time have loads of capsules on the prepared.

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

Take into account holding an additional pack round in case you lose one or in the event you’re planning any journey. A contraception subscription is straightforward to get on-line and may also 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 stand up to 3 months’ price of capsules at a time.

2. Set Reminders or Alarms on Your Cellphone

Should 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 a little bit later.

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

Another choice to contemplate is a Bluetooth-connected sensible case to 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 tablet out of the pack.

3. Put together for Cycle Modifications

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

Progestin-only capsules can lighten your typical menstrual circulate 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.

Should you’d somewhat not free-bleed, keep in mind to maintain mild pads or tampons available, simply in case. You would additionally put money into 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 appropriately. And with POPs, your danger of being pregnant goes up a lot quicker in the event you miss a dose. Because of this, you may need to use a backup technique or have some emergency choices on the prepared.

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

Should you don’t keep in mind to maintain backup contraception round, it’s nonetheless attainable to get last-minute emergency contraception on-line. And in the event you assume you may’ve missed a dose at any level, think about using a condom simply in case.

5. Take into account Your Different Drugs

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 it is advisable 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. Converse to a healthcare supplier or get a web based session in the event you’re undecided a few 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 in the event you should, all the time use a backup barrier technique.

6. Know the Dangers

Some research observe that POPs can carry a better danger of melancholy than mixture capsules. 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 modifications in your temper after you begin taking the brand new capsules.

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

In case you have ideas of suicide or self-harm, name your native disaster hotline or 988, The Suicide & Disaster Lifeline. Should 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 critical subject.

Taking the Leap

There are numerous causes you may resolve to change from mixture capsules to POPs. However it’s vital to keep in mind that everybody’s physique reacts in a different way to hormones. If you swap prescriptions, pay shut consideration to any modifications in uncomfortable side effects and get assist if one thing appears off. Keep in mind that it could take a little bit of trial and error to search out the appropriate contraception for you.