Birth control is an essential women’s health item that can allow for better family planning or pregnancy prevention. However, women’s bodies tend to be different from one another, and they change over time. You may find that what works for one woman isn’t helpful for you, or maybe what you’ve been using isn’t worth the cost anymore. Here’s how to know when to switch so that you can lead the healthy life that you want. 

Why You Might Need to Change Your Birth Control

1. Too Many Harsh Side Effects 

Every type of birth control comes with side effects, especially the ones that affect your hormones. You may experience weight gain, bloatedness, nausea, headaches, hair loss, fatigue, and irregular periods or breakthrough bleeding. Depression and reduced libido are some of the more dangerous side effects. You may even form blood clots that cause swelling and pain in your lungs and legs. If you experience any of these side effects, ask a gynecologist or obstetrician to help you explore other birth control options. 

2. It’s Difficult to Keep Track of When to Take It 

There’s not much point in birth control that you can’t remember to use at the right times. Pills require that you take one at the same time every day. Missing just one dose could compromise its effectiveness. Nuvarings must be removed from your vagina after three weeks, and then one has to be inserted a week later. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of life and forget your birth control. A gynecologist or obstetrician can offer an IUD that doesn’t require frequent or regular upkeep. 

3. Major Life Changes 

If you’ve been using birth control because you weren’t ready for children or adding more kids to your family, you may need to give your body time to prepare for pregnancy once you’re ready for it. Pills and IUDs generally let your fertility return quickly after you stop using them, but shots need anywhere from three months to a year to wear off. Furthermore, if you recently broke up, got into a new relationship, or have an important event coming up, different birth controls may accommodate these changes better than others.

For advice on what type of birth control you should switch to, head to Oswego County OB-GYN in Fulton, NY. They serve the Oswego county area with a passion for women’s health and state-of-the-art technology. They’ll evaluate your specific needs and preferences and come up with a birth control plan that will account for your lifestyle. If you’re ready for children, they also offer pregnancy preparation and infertility treatment. For a full scope of their services, call them at (315) 593-8393 or check out their website.