The pill is the most widely used method of contraception in France. But some women decide to change it because it no longer suits their sex life. Others swap this contraceptive for another because they start to smoke. There are also other reasons why a woman may give up one birth control pill in favor of another.
According to obstetrician-gynecologist Odile Bagot, some women are forced to stop this contraceptive because of the onset of certain conditions which require stopping taking a combined pill, also called estrogen-progestogen. The pathologies in question are phlebitis, migraine with aura, pulmonary embolism, otosclerosis, severe hepatic disease or certain autoimmune disorders.
Another reason: they do not tolerate this contraception well and their body shows it through various clinical signs. But what are these symptoms that must make them try another birth control pill?
You have spottings
Spotting corresponds to scant bleeding, which occurs outside of the rules. This is the most common side effect of the pill. "If this blood loss is not supported by the patient, interferes with her sex life or lasts for more than three months, she can ask to change the pill", Dr Bagot said. In this case, his doctor may give him a lower dose or higher dose pill.
You have a headache
Frequent and severe headaches indicate a need to change the pill. But before you take the plunge, it is best to make sure that these headaches are caused by this contraceptive. To be sure, the gynecologist advises not to take her pill for three months but to ensure her local contraception. If during this time the headaches no longer occur, it means it is time to change the contraceptive.
You suffer from mastodynias
Mastodynias are breast tensions. They can occur during the first three months of the contraceptive pill. If these breast pains persist and have appeared since taking this contraceptive, Dr. Bagot recommends trying another pill with the consent of a healthcare professional.
You have gained weight
“Weight gain, which is attributable to the pill, occurs when you start taking it. This weight gain can be caused by water retention. This water accumulation is equivalent to one kilogram. contraceptive can also increase appetite ", specified the gynecologist. However, if the weight gain is significant and it occurs suddenly, after the patient has been taking this pill for several years, it is not attributable to this contraceptive. In this case, weight gain can be associated with a change in habits (sport, diet, married life).
You suffer from a lipid abnormality
The appearance of an abnormality in the lipid profile on the pill may also motivate this change of contraceptive. "After the first three months on the pill, we usually check the level of cholesterol and triglycerides, namely lipids. If LDL cholesterol, also called 'bad cholesterol' and triglycerides are pathological, we cannot continue contraception. estrogen-progestogen ", explained Dr Bagot.
You have a feeling of heavy legs
It is advisable to change the pill if you have a feeling of heavy legs or if you have circulatory problems, edema or fluid retention. If the patient is in doubt about the connection between contraception and the onset of these problems, a test should be done. She should stop taking the pill for three months to see if these signs are caused by this contraceptive.
You have acne
If the patient has noticed that the pill causes acne since taking the pill, she should see her doctor. The practitioner can prescribe another pill, which will prevent him from suffering from this skin disorder.
You have mood swings
Dr Bagot recommends switching pills in case of mood swings. "The pill can affect your mood when you start taking it. But to make sure that these problems are really associated with this contraceptive and not with life circumstances, it is better to stop it for a few months and see if the mood swings persist ", she advised.
Your libido is not in good shape
According to the gynecologist, hormones do not fully control libido, which is partly contextual. But Dr. Bagot explains that they can still slightly affect sexual desire. "Some women have better libido during ovulation when they have a spontaneous cycle, while this is not the case when they take the pill", she continued.
You forget to take your pill
Some women set an alarm or use post-it notes to take their pills on time. But others don't use these tips and tend to forget to take it. According to the gynecologist, this omission is a sign that they need to change their method of contraception.
Thanks to Odile Bagot, obstetrician-gynecologist
Read also :
⋙ Contraceptive pill: what you need to know about this method of contraception
⋙ Contraception: 13 misconceptions about the progestin-only pill
⋙ Contraception: scientists have developed a pill to take once a month