When should you switch your birth control?
THERE is no one perfect method of birth control, and the time may come when you have to switch. This may be based on personal preference or a medical or other issue that makes switching the solution. According to Dr Daryl Daley, obstetrician-gynaecologist at Gynae Associates, reasons to switch your birth control include:
1. Erratic bleeding
Dr Daley said most long-term reversible contraceptives such as the copper T, subdermal implants or contraceptive injections may cause abnormal, unpredictable and somewhat annoying vaginal bleeding. “As a result it is not uncommon for these women to seek an alternative,” he said.
2. Benefits of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP)
According to the Dr Daley, the benefits of one contraception is a reason to switch. “The OCP has many other benefits beside contraception. Some of these include decreasing the flow of the period, easing the pain of periods, regularising cycles and improving acne. Women may seek the advantages of these OCPs.”
3. Being desirous of long-acting reversible contraception
“Women who have no immediate fertility desires and who do not want sterilisation, can be offered long-acting reversible contraception. The intrauterine devices such as the copper T and the Mirena last for 10 and five years respectively. The subdermal implants last for three years,” Dr Daley said
4. Contraindication to oestrogen
Dr Daley said women who are at high risk for blood clot formation, such as women with previous blood clots or certain autoimmune conditions, should avoid oestrogen-containing contraception as they increase the risk of blood clot formation. “Progesterone-only contraception, barrier contraception or the IUCD [intrauterine contraceptive device] should be offered to these patients. Oestrogen-containing contraception is the pill and the patch,” he said.
5. Failed contraception
Dr Daley said some women may have had failed contraception resulting in unwanted pregnancies, for example not taking the OCP correctly, or a failed contraceptive patch. As a result they may choose an alternative method.
6. Emergency contraception
The ‘morning after pill’, Dr Daley said, has become a popular means of emergency contraception; however, it is not recommended to be used as contraception. “Most women after having an ‘accident’, can benefit from this pill. Usually women who opt for the copper T do so in an effort to no longer use emergency contraception,” Dr Daley said. He added that the copper T can also be used as an emergency contraception, as not only will it prevent immediate pregnancy within 72 hours of the sexual incident, but it has the additional benefit of lasting for 10 years.
7. Breastfeeding
Dr Daley said the OCP affects the quality and quantity of breast milk, which is not beneficial to the newborn. “Women who used the OCP prior to pregnancy may want to go back on the pill; however, they should be informed that alternatives should be used if they plan to breastfeed. The subdermal implants, contraceptive injections and condoms are suitable for new mothers,” he said.
8. Cost
“Most women use the oral contraceptive pill, but though these may seem affordable on a monthly basis, these costs add up. The average OCP costs around $800-$1500 per pack, per month. A long-acting reversible contraceptive such as the copper T costs around $10,000 and lasts for up to 10 years,” Dr Daley said. He explained that this one-time cost versus the monthly cost of the pills may be more beneficial to the patient.
— Kimberley Hibbert
