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Some people may choose to switch birth control pills if they experience side effects or to reduce certain menstrual symptoms. There are various ways to switch effectively.

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This article explains three ways of switching birth control pills. It also discusses what to consider when switching pill brands or changing between the combined pill and minipill.

When switching, there is no need to complete the current pack. It is possible to start the new pack immediately by taking the first pill from it.

When switching to birth control pills from a different method of contraception, the doctor may recommend overlapping both forms of protection initially.

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If there is a chance that a person could become pregnant, they may wish to use condoms for the first week or month of a new pill, depending on what the doctor advises.

Using backup protection ensure that a person remains protected from unintended pregnancy while the body adjusts to the new method of birth control.

For most people, using backup protection is not strictly necessary, but it is a good way to reduce anxiety about accidental pregnancy when switching pills.

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If a person experiences side effects for more than 3 months after starting a new pill, the doctor may suggest switching to another brand.

A person should start the first pill of the new pack straight away. There is no need to complete the existing pack. It is vital not to leave a gap between the old and new packs.

Using a backup method, such as condoms or another form of barrier protection, during the first pack of the new pill ensures protection from unintended pregnancy.

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A person switching to the minipill should discuss with their doctor whether or not they need to use condoms as well, as the minipill is less effective than combined pills at preventing unintended pregnancy.

It is not uncommon to experience side effects during the first 3 months of taking a new pill. These effects usually become milder over time as the body adjusts to the extra hormones.

The effect on these parts of the brain may help to explain why birth control pills increase the risk of depression, but more research is necessary to understand this link.

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If people experience mood changes or symptoms of depression when they are on birth control, they should speak with a doctor about switching pills or trying a non-hormonal birth control method instead.

Birth control pills often work by preventing ovulation. If a person does ovulate, there is a chance that they may become pregnant.

Ovulation is more likely to occur if a person delays or misses a dose of the pill. Therefore, it is best to take the pill at the same time every day.

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Setting a daily alarm on a clock or cell phone can remind a person to take the pill at the same time each day.

If people miss a dose, they should use backup contraception, such as a condom. Taking the emergency contraceptive pill is an option if a person has sex before realizing that they missed a dose.

A 2017 study found that taking hormonal contraceptives also raises the risk of breast cancer, although the increase in risk is minimal.

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Doctors advise that people with certain conditions do not take birth control pills containing estrogen, as these can increase the risk of stroke and other complications.

The birth control pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, it is essential to use condoms or another form of barrier protection with new or casual partners.

On the combination pill, a person takes pills for 3 weeks out of every month and takes no pills or pills without hormones for 1 week.

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The minipill will reduce or even eliminate a person’s periods. A doctor may prescribe these pills for people with heavy periods or an underlying health condition, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.

Switching birth control pills can be straightforward. If a woman follows the methods above, the risk of unintended pregnancy is very low.

Although it is not always necessary, using backup protection is the safest way to prevent pregnancy during the process of switching birth control pills.

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Millions of Americans use birth control pills each month as a means of contraception or as a way of easing painful periods. No matter your reason for taking birth control, it’s important to talk with your doctor before choosing a brand. They can help you make the best decision for your needs and lifestyle.

Combination pills contain synthetic types of the hormones known as estrogen and progestin. They come in different ratios, or combinations, of active and inactive ingredients.

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The most common type of combination pill contains either 21 active pills and 7 inactive pills, or 24 active pills and 4 inactive pills. Each month, you may have bleeding similar to a regular period while taking the inactive pills.

Monophasic pills contain only one phase or level of active hormones. The level of hormones remains the same in each active pill during the month.

The level of active ingredients varies in multiphasic pills. Where you are in your cycle will determine what level of active ingredients is present.

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If you want fewer periods, your doctor may suggest an extended-cycle, or continuous-dose, pill. These include 84 active pills and 7 inactive pills. Generally, if you take this type of pill, you’ll have four periods per year.

Low-dose pills contain less than 50 micrograms of estrogen per active pill. Low-dose pills are ideal if you’re sensitive to hormones. They’re also a good option if you’re just starting birth control.

Although many people have great success with low-dose birth control pills, you may experience more breakthrough bleeding than you would with a higher dose of hormones.

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Minipills are available in one mixture that’s progestin only, with no estrogen. Because of this, the minipill is great for people with certain medical conditions and people who are sensitive to estrogen.

The level of the hormone is the same in each pill, and each pill contains active ingredients. Unlike the combination pill, there are no inactive pills included. So, you may experience a period or you may skip a period while using this form of birth control pill. The progestin dose in a minipill is also lower than the progestin dose in any combination pill.

The main difference between combination pills and minipills is that one has estrogen and the other doesn’t. There’s also a noticeable difference in how each pill affects your body.

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Combination pills prevent pregnancy in three ways. First, the hormones prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg. Without the egg, sperm have nothing to fertilize.

The hormones also cause a buildup of thick, sticky mucus at the opening of your cervix. This makes it harder for sperm to pass through your cervical opening. Some combination birth control pills also thin the lining of your uterus. Without a thick lining, a fertilized egg has a difficult time attaching and developing.

Minipills prevent pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus and thinning your uterine lining. Some minipills can also prevent ovulation, but that’s not the primary function of these progestin-only pills.

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Many people can use birth control pills safely and without many symptoms or side effects. However, some people will experience these health concerns, especially when they first begin taking the pill.

Birth control pills contain hormones. They’re designed to keep your level of hormones steady throughout your entire cycle. This is what helps prevent ovulation and reduces your chances of pregnancy.

Fluctuations in your hormone levels can cause side effects. These fluctuations occur when you begin taking the pill, when you’re late taking a pill, or when you miss a dose.

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Most of these side effects will ease after several weeks or months of taking the pill. Tell your doctor if you still experience these health concerns after 3 months of consecutive use. You may need to consider other birth control options.

For most people, birth control is safe and effective. Certain risk factors can increase your likelihood of experiencing side effects. Before you begin taking birth control, talk with your doctor about your personal medical history to determine what, if any, medications you should avoid.

If you’re chestfeeding, you may need to consider alternative forms of birth control until you’ve stopped

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