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Step 1
Make an appointment with your doctor or other healthcare provider. Schedule the visit far enough ahead that you don't risk running out of the pills you are currently using.
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Step 2
Before your appointment, research what methods are available. If you have an idea of what you are looking for in birth control, you can present these options to your doctor and then discuss how well each of them might work for you.
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Step 3
If you have insurance, find out if there would be any change in coverage or cost for different pills. If you pay for birth control out-of-pocket, ask your pharmacist how much a different prescription would cost.
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Step 4
Talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider about why you want to change your prescription. If your current medication is causing unwanted or unpleasant side effects, your doctor may prefer that you try a birth control method other than pills, or she may want you to wait a few months to see if the problems go away. Whatever the reason for your change, it is important for your doctor to answer any questions you have about a new birth control method and make sure that you understand how to use it properly.
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Step 5
When you pick up your new prescription, don't hesitate to ask the pharmacist any questions about using it.
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Step 6
Take your new pills. If you are switching from a progestin only pill to a combination pill, your healthcare provider likely will tell you to take your first new pill the day after your last old pill. Switching from combination pills to a progestin pill may be different, and your provider will give you instructions for your specific situation.
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Step 7
Use another form of birth control if you were unable to follow your doctor's instructions or had a lapse in birth control use.
