Switching Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are a form of contraceptive which is very common with women all over the world. These pills which are also known as oral contraceptive pills, are made of hormones which help in preventing unwanted pregnancy. There are basically two types of birth control pills, one is the combined oral contraceptive pill which is made of estrogen as well as progesterone, while the other type of pill is that which contains only progestin. Though both type of pills have the ability to prevent pregnancy from occurring, combination birth control pills are the most popular with women. However, some women may experience certain side effects after taking the birth control pills, depending on their hormone levels. One of the way of preventing this is switching birth control pills to one that has a different level of hormones in them. Nevertheless, this is easier said than done, as an abrupt change in birth control pills intake can cause certain side effects. Hence, one has to remember certain important things to make the process of switching birth control pills an effective one. Read more on birth control pill types.

How do Birth Control Pills Work

During every menstrual cycle, ovulation takes place with the help of natural hormones in the body, thus making the body ready for pregnancy. When the sperm from the male fertilizes this ovum, conception takes place and the woman gets pregnant. This process is stalled by the birth control pills. There are actually three ways in which oral contraceptive pills can avoid the occurrence of pregnancy which will depend on the type of pill used. These pills try to stop the body from producing the ovum or aids in thickening the cervical mucus in the uterus, due to which the sperms are unable to enter the body. Some birth control pills make the lining of the womb unsuitable for the fertilized egg to attach itself. For effective prevention of pregnancy, birth control pills have to be taken for 21 days at the same time everyday. Skipping the pill even for a single day can increase the risk of pregnancy. After twenty one days, one can either stop taking the pills or consume the non-active pills or placebo for seven days, before starting the new dosage. Read more on how do birth control pills work.

Switching Birth Control Pills

Though birth control pills are said to be an effective way of controlling pregnancy, it has certain side effects too. Some of the common side effects of birth control pills include nausea, vomiting nausea and bloating. Some women may also experience headache, dizziness and fatigue. Weight gain is also one of the common side effects of birth control pills. These side effects usually occur for the initial few days of taking the birth control pills, as the body takes time to adjust to these pills. However, sometimes these side effects linger for a long time which can affect your routine life. Nevertheless, not all birth control pills are the same, and there will be some other brand of birth control pills which will suit you. Hence, you will have to try different types of birth control pills before you find the one that suits you. However, you cannot just switch your birth control pill whenever you feel like, as this may cause certain health problems. On the other hand, one has to take extra precautions before switching birth control pills. Read more on birth control pills side effects.

How to Switch Birth Control Pills

• If you are finding your birth control pills unsuitable due to the presence of side effects or some other reason, the first thing to do is to consult your gynecologist who will help in finding out an alternative birth control pill. Most commonly side effects are caused due to the level of progesterone and estrogen. Your doctor will recommend a pill that has a different level of these hormones. However, if you are switching birth control pills for other reasons like the cost of these pills, choose one that has the same level of hormones than your previous one.
• Many people make the mistake of switching birth control pills during the menstrual cycle, i.e. while they are taking their old pills. This has to be avoided because the change of pills can cause some side effects like heavy bleeding, headache, nausea, etc. Instead, continue taking the old pills till it is complete and start the new pill on the day you usually begin a new pack. This is also important to experience switching birth control pills effectiveness and also to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
• One very important thing to remember is that the new oral contraceptive pills will not be effective from day one, instead, it will take the body time to adjust to the new pill. So, there are chances for you to get pregnant, even if you take the pills regularly. Therefore, you have to take the help of some other contraceptive for at least the first seven days of starting the new birth control pills, to avoid getting pregnant.
• You may experience certain switching birth control pills effects which are as the same as those that you had to undergo when you took your previous pills These side effects are actually normal and is a part of the adjustment process. Therefore, one need not get worried and think of switching birth control pills again. On the other hand, one should wait at least for 2 - 3 menstrual cycles to see whether the pills are really effective. If the side effects continue to occur very severely, your gynecologist should be consulted immediately.

You will like to read more on:

• Birth Control Pills Effectiveness
• Are Birth Control Pills Effective

I hope you have got a clear idea about switching birth control pills. Though there is nothing wrong in switching from one brand to another brand of oral contraceptive pills, it is important to be a little cautious about what you are taking, because any wrong move may cause adverse effects to your reproductive system.