6 Ideas for Transitioning from Combo Drugs to POPS

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

The mixture 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 circumstances 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 identified with a brand new medical situation or just lately had a child, you might have to go on POPs. Or you will have determined to modify contraception since you’ve been fighting the uncomfortable side effects of mixture capsules. No matter your causes for switching, listed below are some suggestions 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 improve your threat of being pregnant. That’s why you’ll need to ensure you all the time have loads of capsules on the prepared.

Pharmacies can run out of your model, which generally is a large 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.

Take into account conserving an additional pack round in case you lose one or in case you’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 particular person as a result of your prescription is discreetly delivered to your door. Some on-line choices permit you to stand 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 in all probability have already got a reminder in your cellphone to take them daily. However you may also be used to hitting snooze on that cellphone alarm and taking the capsules a bit later.

With progestin-only capsules, it’s tremendous necessary 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 would possibly need to set just a few 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 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 massive modifications in your regular interval. Don’t be alarmed, however in case 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 cut back the frequency of cramps or painful durations. 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 gentle pads or tampons available, simply in case. You possibly can additionally put money into lined interval lingerie so that you’re all the time ready for recognizing.

4. Stockpile Backup Strategies

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

One risk is to maintain the morning-after capsule available (or a prescription choice like ella in case you weigh greater than 165 lbs). You possibly can additionally preserve condoms or different barrier strategies available to be used in case you miss a dose.

When you don’t keep in mind to maintain backup contraception round, it’s nonetheless doable to get last-minute emergency contraception on-line. And in case you assume you would possibly’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 instances the place you could take heed to what else you’re placing in your physique.

As with the mixture 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 in case you’re unsure a few drug.

Some dietary supplements, specifically St. John’s Wort, can even improve the chance of unplanned being pregnant on POPs. You’re higher off not taking St. John’s Wort in any respect, however in case you should, all the time use a backup barrier methodology.

6. Know the Dangers

Some research word that POPs can carry a better threat of despair than mixture capsules. 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 capsules.

POPs can even 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 chance 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 critical problem.

Taking the Leap

There are lots of causes you would possibly resolve to modify from mixture capsules to POPs. Nevertheless it’s necessary to do not forget that everybody’s physique reacts in a different way to hormones. Once you change prescriptions, pay shut consideration to any modifications 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 correct contraception for you.