Should You Switch Birth Control Pills?

When taken correctly each day, birth control pills offer very effective protection against unplanned pregnancy. The pill can also help regulate and lighten menstrual periods, which is great news for women who suffer from heavy bleeding and crippling pain each month. But if you find that your birth control pills are not working for you, should you switch?

Speak to Your Doctor

Even though birth control pills offer excellent contraceptive protection for women, they also have a number of side effects which can impact a woman's quality of life. According to WedMd.com, these include mood swings, weight gain, bloating, swollen breasts, nausea and dizziness.

Before you decide to switch birth control pills, make an appointment to speak to your doctor about your symptoms and about how you are feeling. While some of your symptoms could well be attributed to your method of birth control, other factors could also be playing a contributing role. By looking at the bigger picture, your doctor will be in a better position to advise you.

Make a List of Your Symptoms

If you are concerned about the birth control pill that you are currently using, make a list of symptoms that have worsened or severely impacted your quality of life. Some forms of birth control pills will cause unpleasant side effects until your body adjusts, but if these symptoms continue or worsen, your doctor needs to know. He or she can then look more closely at your lifestyle and look at all your contraceptive options with you.

Consider Other Methods

Birth control pills are a convenient method of birth control for many women, but they are not ideal for everyone, especially for smokers or women who are prone to thrombosis. Consider your other options that may have fewer, to no, side effects. These include such methods as condoms, Depo Provera (the contraceptive injection), tubal ligation and vasectomy for your husband.

Women should be well informed of all the contraceptive option available to them. Birth control pills offer a convenient form of protection against pregnancy. However, if you are experiencing severe side effects that are affecting your quality of life, you should not suffer in silence or hope that the symptoms will subside. If your symptoms persist, speak to your doctor and take along a list of symptoms to discuss at your appointment. Your doctor can then look at other options with you, such as birth control pills with a lower dosage of hormones, or an alternative method of birth control that may suit your lifestyle better.

Source:

WebMd.com, Birth Control Pills.

More from this contributor:

How to Remember to Take the Birth Control Pill Each Day.

How to Tell When a Form of Birth Control is Not Working for You.

Should You Stop Taking the Pill During Your Husband's Deployment?