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Step 1
Consult your doctor to discuss why your old method isn't right for you. Also see him to get a prescription for a new method of birth control. During this meeting, you should ask if there are any specific instructions you should follow and what side effects you may expect.
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Step 2
Finish your cycle of birth control. Most pills or contraception methods are on a monthly cycle; you should determine what day you would have begun your new month of pills, new patch or shot. Do this in order to prepare to take your new method. You will begin the new method of birth control on the same day you would have resumed your old one.
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Step 3
During your menstruation (or earlier)--when you have finished your old method of contraception and are waiting to begin your new one--fill your prescription and read the instructions on both your old method of contraception and your new method. Though these instructions work for nearly any method of birth control, you will want to see both instruction leaflets for specifics and warnings that are catered to you. Use this time to learn about the new method you will be taking.
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Step 4
Have your new method of birth control ready on the day of your new cycle. Don't wait to fill your new prescription or visit your doctor until you have used up your current method. Making the change should be seamless in order to prevent a lapse in protection and to avoid changes to your hormonal cycle.
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Step 5
Begin using your new method. This means that if you would have begun your next pack of pills of your old method on a certain day--or applied your patch--you should begin using your new method that same day and according to the new instructions specific to that type of birth control.
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Step 6
If you are using a non-hormonal form of birth control, you will begin your new method of birth control as instructed for first time users. This means that those using the diaphragm or condom can begin using another method based on the instructions of their doctor or the product. This will correspond, if you are changing to a hormonal method, with your menstrual cycle. On the day after your period ends, begin your new contraception.
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Step 7
Use a backup method of birth control if you are sexually active for the first week after changing. While pill to pill transitions tend to be very safe, other methods may cause your body to take a small period of time to adjust. You should typically use a backup method of contraception--such as condoms or spermicide--for one week after beginning your new method of birth control.
