bloodstream. Often women will experience
lighter or non-existent periods but IUDs have
been associated with an increased risk of
pelvic inflammatory disease. Although there
is question about the difficulty to conceive
after using an IUD, there is no substantiated
evidence to show that use of an IUD
decreases fertility.
“My pharmacy switched my birth control.
What should I expect.”
Like all medications, birth control pills are
offered in brand and generic form. Here’s
the tricky part: unlike other medications,
birth control generics of the same brand
all have different names. For example, the
brand Loestrin comes in several generics
including Microgestin, Junel, or Gildess to
name a few. Generic equivalents of the same
birth control are usually equally tolerated.
Some women may respond to the very
small differences in hormones from one
manufacturer to another, but this is rare.
If you find that you do not tolerate a new
manufacturer, simply ask your pharmacy to
order your preferred generic manufacturer.
“What happens if I miss a pill?”
If you miss one pill the rule of thumb is to
take your next pill as soon as you remember,
even if it is time for your next dose. If you
miss two pills, consult your package insert
attached to your pill pack as the instructions
may vary based on the pill you’re taking.
“How long should I try my new birth
control before deciding to switch?”
And finally, you will likely be instructed to give
a 2-3-month trial of your birth control so that
your body has time to adjust to the change
in hormones you have introduced. Often it
will take more than one cycle to regulate your
menstruation and for side effects to subside.
However, intolerable side effects may warrant
a change prior to 2-3 months.
Selection of birth control can be a very
frustrating ordeal. But, with background
knowledge, patience, and open
communication with your healthcare provider,
you will be in the best position to choose the
best option for you.
Asia is a graduate of the
University of Florida and
works as an Ambulatory Care
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
and as an Associate Clinical
Professor of Pharmacy
Practice. Originally from
Orange Park, Florida, she
has called the metro Atlanta
area home for 5 years. Asia
enjoys kayaking, tennis, and
spending time with her two
dogs in her spare time.
This article is not intended
to provide medical advice.
Please consult your primary
care or gynecological
practitioner for advice as it
relates to your decision for
method of birth control.
The opinions expressed
herein may not represent the
views of the Atlanta Social
Club, its officers, or other
affliliates and should be
used for informational and
entertainment purposes only.
Risks associated with
birth control are patient-
specific. Although estrogen-
containing pills carry a
relatively low risk of major
side effects, they have been
associated with an increased
risk of clot formation and
some types of cancer. Consult
your provider to review
your medical history and
risk potential.
REVEAL | Q3 2017
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