6 Ideas for Transitioning from Combo Drugs to POPS

Mixture capsules and progestin-only capsules, aka POPs, are the 2 most important varieties of contraception capsules available on the market. Mixture capsules have two varieties 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 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 known as venous thromboembolism.

Should 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 change contraception since you’ve been scuffling with the unintended 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 Start Management Subscription

Whenever 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 to all the time have loads of capsules on the prepared.

Pharmacies can run out of your model, which could be a large headache whenever you want a refill. Some states additionally nonetheless permit pharmacists to disclaim you your capsules for spiritual causes, which might imply problematic delays.

Contemplate 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 can assist 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 mean you can rise up to 3 months’ value of capsules at a time.

2. Set Reminders or Alarms on Your Telephone

Should you’ve been taking mixture capsules, you in all probability have already got a reminder in your telephone to take them daily. However you may additionally be used to hitting snooze on that telephone alarm and taking the capsules a little bit later.

With progestin-only capsules, it’s tremendous necessary to all the time take your capsules on time. Some capsules have a couple of 12-hour window, however conventional POPs could be taken not more than three hours late. You would possibly 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 capsules. The Emme Sensible Case connects along with your telephone and reminds you to take your capsules on time. It doesn’t simply know whenever you’ve opened the case — it senses whenever you take a tablet out of the pack.

3. Put together for Cycle Adjustments

Being on progestin-only capsules can imply large 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 trip.

Progestin-only capsules can lighten your typical menstrual move and even cut back the frequency of cramps or painful intervals. However they’ll 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 gentle pads or tampons available, simply in case. You might 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. Because of this, you would possibly need to use a backup methodology 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 case you weigh greater than 165 lbs). You might additionally hold condoms or different barrier strategies available to be used in case you miss a dose.

Should 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. Contemplate Your Different Medicines

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

As with the mixture tablet, some antibiotics could make POPs much less efficient, growing your probabilities of unplanned being pregnant. Communicate to a healthcare supplier or get an internet session in case you’re undecided a couple of drug.

Some dietary supplements, specifically 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 in case you should, all the time use a backup barrier methodology.

6. Know the Dangers

Some research be aware 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 increased threat for ectopic being pregnant than mixture capsules. 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. 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 concern.

Taking the Leap

There are various causes you would possibly resolve to change from mixture capsules to POPs. But it surely’s necessary to do not forget that everybody’s physique reacts otherwise to hormones. Whenever you swap prescriptions, pay shut consideration to any modifications in unintended 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 suitable contraception for you.