1. Your birth control is making you sick

If you’re taking a hormonal form of birth control, like the pill or an implant, know that nausea is a common side effect. For most women, nausea stops after your body adjusts to the new hormones—usually in about 2-3 months. 

But if your birth control is making you feel so sick you can’t function or sleep, or if you’re throwing up—even after taking your pill at night or with food—it’s time to schedule an appointment. 

There are many birth control options available. Your provider can help you switch to a different pill or type of contraceptive, so you don’t have to live with constantly feeling sick.

2. Your birth control causes pain or discomfort

There’s no doubt birth control can have side effects. However, if your intrauterine device (IUD), vaginal ring, or implant causes you pain or discomfort, it’s a sign that something is wrong. 

For example, with an IUD, the strings might be in the wrong position, or the device may have moved out of place. Vaginal rings should be comfortable, so if yours bothers you, remove it immediately and check the insertion instructions again. 

Remember, pain is a signal that something isn’t right. So if you’re experiencing any physical pain or discomfort from birth control, call your provider at McDowell Mountain Gynecology immediately. 

3. You’re struggling to use/take your birth control 

Most forms of hormonal birth control are highly effective—when you use them correctly. Take the birth control pill, for example. When used perfectly and taken at nearly the same time every single day, it’s about 99% effective. 

But real life doesn’t happen under laboratory conditions, meaning it’s easy to forget to take a pill or to take it at different times. That’s why the real-world effectiveness of the pill is only about 91%. In other words, for every 100 women taking the pill, nine get pregnant every year.

The best form of birth control is the one that works for you, meaning it’s easy for you to use effectively. If you’re struggling with your birth control methods, whether remembering to take a pill every day or using a barrier method each time you have sex, talk to your provider about a different method. 

4. Your period has become problematic

Some forms of birth control affect your period. For example, women with an IUD may not get a period. The pill can cause you to spot between periods, and some women find their periods get heavier, or that cramping worsens when using birth control. 

If you’re frustrated by constant spotting, heavy bleeding, or no periods, it’s time to talk to your McDowell Mountain Gynecology provider about switching your type of birth control. With so many options on the market, we can help you find one that doesn’t trigger problematic periods. 

Next steps: Switching to a different birth control

At McDowell Mountain Gynecology, our experienced providers take the time to understand your concerns, needs, and personal preferences. We help you make an educated decision about the right contraceptive for you—especially when your needs or preferences change. 

Based on the type of protection you need, we help you determine which type of birth control you’d like to try. For some women, this may mean switching to a different type of birth control pill. For others, it may mean changing methods altogether.

Our office offers a variety of popular and effective birth control, including:

• A range and variety of birth control pills
• IUDs 
• Birth control implants (e.g., Nexplanon®) 
• Removable NuvaRing®

Have more questions about contraception, or are you ready to talk to a provider about switching your birth control method? Schedule an in-person or virtual visit online or over the phone at McDowell Mountain Gynecology in Scottsdale, Arizona.