- Explore your contraceptive options
If you haven’t already, you may want to go on birth control. There are several hormonal and nonhormonal options to choose from. Hormonal approaches include the following:
Daily combination pills contain estrogen and progestin, two synthetic hormones similar to the ones made by your ovaries.
Daily minipills contain only progestin.
Skin patches contain estrogen and progestin, and are worn for 21 days. They’re removed for seven days before switching to a new patch.
Vaginal rings are another hormonal option. They’re also worn for 21 days and removed for seven days before being replaced.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can be hormonal or nonhormonal. Depending on the device, they can be worn for 3 to 10 years.
- Make sure you’re using your birth control correctly
Your chance of becoming pregnant increases with each day you’re not on birth control. Here are some tips you need to know to make sure your birth control is effective:
You should
Take the pill at the same time every day. If you take the pill too early or too late, it can disrupt your hormonal balance. This can make the pill less effective.
Avoid missed doses. When you miss a day, your birth control becomes less effective.
Take a missed pill right away. If you miss one day, take the pill as soon as you remember. If you miss two days, you can either take both pills at once or at different times during the day. If you missed a placebo day, throw away the nonhormonal pill and resume your daily use.
Replace the ring or skin patch on time. If you forget to switch to a new ring or skin patch, you aren’t protected against pregnancy.
- Stay on schedule
Your monthly birth control schedule may not be same as the calendar month. That might make it harder to remember when to get and switch your contraception on time.
But there are different options you could use to stay on schedule, including:
Auto-refill. Set up automatic refills with your pharmacy so your prescription is ready when you need it.
Auto-delivery. Auto-delivery gives you the option to have your prescription delivered to your door. You can do this through your pharmacy or by using an app such as Nurx.
Mobile apps. Apps that track your period and birth control are also an easy way to remind you when to take your pill and when you need a refill.
- Double up by using barrier protection, too
Birth control is highly effective at preventing pregnancy, but it won’t prevent you from sexually transmitted infections. That’s why you should double up by using barrier protection. Condoms are the only way to prevent STIs, and including a hormonal birth control increases the protection.
Do NOT use male and female condoms at the same time. Male and female condoms are available at your local drugstore or health clinic. You can also speak with your doctor about getting and using condoms.