How to Effectively Switch Birth Control Methods

Despite being one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, the United States maintains the highest number of unwanted pregnancies in the developed world. Almost half of all pregnancies are unplanned – a number which hasn’t fluctuated in over ten years. This in turn leads to the need to obtain abortion services.

Switching between contraception methods is a leading contributing factor for why so many unplanned pregnancies occur. Often times, women will choose to switch between types of contraception without knowing the risks or the proper cautionary procedures to take. Women can often encounter problems when one birth control method no longer meets their needs; whether it loses effectiveness or they have a change in lifestyle. Discontinuation rates for some methods are as high as 90%. In a study from Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation, 40% of married women and 61% of unmarried women chose to switch their contraception methods over the course of two years. In addition, about 10% of those women had decided to abandon contraception despite their risk for unwanted pregnancies.

Common reasons cited for switching birth control methods were:
 A change in insurance
 A new relationship
 New doctors
 Change in sexual relation frequency in unmarried women
 Side effects from current contraceptives
 Difficulty obtaining new prescriptions
 Misinformation regarding various options
 Too costly

The best way to avoid unwanted pregnancies is to find a consistent contraception method that works well with your lifestyle. Make an appointment with an OBGYN in your area to discuss which options are best for you. Your OBGYN will be able to thoroughly discuss every option and help you make the best choice.