How to Change Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills come in a variety of options to meet the needs of most women. Unfortunately, no single birth control pill is universally appropriate for all women. Some women may need to try several types of pills before finding one that is a good fit. In general, birth control pills can be safely switched by finishing your current pill cycle and following it with your new birth control pills. It is important to discuss a change in birth control with your physician to ensure you remain protected against pregnancy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A current birth control prescription Access to a physician or clinic to get a new birth control prescription

1. Research alternative birth control pills to the current pill you are taking. Use the Internet, local library or pamphlets from your doctor's office to learn about pill options. Talk to other women about their experience with certain birth control pills as well.

2. Make an appointment with your physician to discuss other birth control pill options. Discuss alternative pills and ask for your physician's opinion regarding the pills you researched. Choose a new birth control pill after weighing the possible positives and negatives associated with the treatment.

3. Fill the prescription for your new birth control pill before your current pill pack is finished. Your doctor may give you a sample pack to try the new birth control regimen.

4. Finish your current cycle of birth control pills. Take all active pills, which are the first three weeks of pills which contain hormones.

5. Determine what type of hormonal birth control pill your current pill contains and what type of hormones your new pill contains. There are two types: progestin-only (POP) and estrogen and progestin (COC). How you will switch to your new birth control depends on the type of birth control you were taking and the type you plan on switching to.

6. Begin the new pill pack the day after finishing the inactive placebo pills if you are switching from one COC pill to another COC pill. Do not take the placebo pills if switching from a COC pill to a POP pill; begin the POP pills the day after taking the last active pill of your COC birth control. If you are switching to a COC pill from a POP pill, follow your doctor's advice to change to the new birth control pill. Some physicians may recommend beginning the COC pill on the first day of your period, while others recommend finishing the placebo pills and begining the new pill pack. If seven days pass between taking the last active pill of your old birth control and taking the first active pill of your new birth control, use a back-up contraceptive method for the first week of taking the new pill.

Tips & Warnings

• Get advice and firsthand opinions about birth control pills you are considering. A variety of resources may help you make an informed decision. Always follow your physician's recommendations to effectively switch birth control pills. Use a back-up method of birth control, such as a condom, for the first seven days of the new pill cycle if your physician recommends it.
• Do not switch birth control pills while in the middle of a monthly cycle as the birth control may not be effective if the cycle of pills is not finished. This could result in pregnancy.

References

• World Health Organization
• Columbia University
• Ortho TriCyclen

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