Making the Switch: How to Safely Change Your Birth Control
Karla Robinson, MD
Switching Birth Control
Birth control is no doubt a universal issue in women of childbearing years. In a report of findings from the National Survey on Family Growth (NSFG 2006-2008) released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 62% of women aged 15-44 are currently using some form of contraception in this country. More than 99% of women that have been sexually active one or more times, have used at least one form of birth control in their lifetime.
If you happen to fall into any of these categories, chances are that you have had to make a switch in a method of contraception at some point. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be very confusing to switch from one birth control to another. Questions like “Do I need a backup method?”, and “When do I stop one and start another?” may arise during the process. These are important questions to have the answers to, because switching birth control methods incorrectly can raise the risk of pregnancy.
With over 50% of all pregnancies in the U.S. classified as unintended, it is important to understand the proper use of birth control when transitioning from one form to another. Whether a switch from one brand of pill to another is necessary, or if a complete shift in the form of birth control is required, always make sure any birth control change is performed correctly to decrease the likelihood of an unintended pregnancy.
While any change in birth control can lead to some temporary changes in the menstrual cycle, it isn’t necessary to wait for your period to either stop the old method, or start a new one. As long as the appropriate overlap is used, birth control effectiveness will not be compromised. Overlap is used when it is necessary to give the new method of birth control time to start working prior to discontinuing the old one. If you do not want to use the overlap method, a backup form of birth control can be used. These methods include condoms and spermicide. If you do not want to use a backup method, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse completely during the specified length of time.
Listed below are some general guidelines on how to properly transition between the most common forms of birth control and how to decrease the chances of unintended pregnancy while making the switch. These recommendations may not apply in every circumstance; therefore it is always necessary to discuss switching birth control methods with your physician prior to making any changes.
If you take the pill:
It isn’t necessary to wait to finish the entire pill pack before switching to another form of birth control. You can stop taking the pill at any point in the pack, but it is necessary to always start a new pill pack by taking the first pill in the pack.
- When switching to a new pill or the ring: Start it the day after taking a pill in the old pack.
- When switching to the Depo shot or the progestin IUD: Start it seven days before stopping the pill.
- When switching to the patch: Start the patch one day before stopping the pill.
- When switching to the copper IUD: Insert within five days of stopping the pill.
- When switching to the progestin implant: Insert implant four days before stopping the pill.
If you use the Depo shot:
- When switching to the pill, patch, ring, progestin IUD, or progestin implant: Start it within 3 months of receiving the last shot.
- When switching to the copper IUD: Insert IUD within 4 months of receiving the last shot.
If you use the patch:
- When switching to the pill: Start the first pill one day before removing the patch.
- When switching to the Depo shot or progestin IUD: Start it seven days before removing the patch.
- When switching to the ring: Remove the patch and insert the ring on the same day.
- When switching to the copper IUD: Insert IUD within five days of removing the patch.
- When switching to the progestin implant: Insert implant four days before removing the patch.
If you use the ring:
- When switching to the pill: Start the first pill one day before removing the ring.
- When switching to the Depo shot or progestin IUD: Start it seven days before removing the ring.
- When switching to the patch: Start the patch two days before removing the ring.
- When switching to the copper IUD: Insert IUD within five days of removing the ring.
- When switching to the progestin implant: Insert implant four days before removing the ring.
If you use the copper IUD:
- When switching to the pill, Depo shot, patch, or ring: Start it seven days before removing the IUD.
- When switching to the progestin IUD: Insert progestin IUD immediately after removing copper IUD, and use a backup form of birth control (including condoms and spermicide) for seven days.
- When switching to the progestin implant: Insert implant four days before removing the IUD.
If you use the progestin IUD:
- When switching to the pill, Depo shot, patch, or ring: Start it seven days before removing the IUD.
- When switching to the copper IUD: Insert immediately after removing the progestin IUD.
- When switching to the progestin implant: Insert implant four days before removing the IUD.
If you use the progestin implant:
- When switching to the pill, Depo shot, patch, ring or progestin IUD: Start it seven days before removing the implant.
- When switching to the copper IUD: Insert IUD within five days of removing the implant.
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I changed from the copper iud back to the depo after a year, they gave me my shot the same day they removed the iud. The next day my bf and I had intercourse, I have been sick to my tummy for the past week now but only after a certain time. Is there a chance that I could be pregnant?
There is always a slight chance of pregnancy with any contraception used but when switching to the contraceptive shot from the IUD it is always best to start the shot BEFORE removing the IUD to reduce the chance of unintended pregnancy and to decrease the need for using back up birth control. However, if the shot was started within 7 days of your last period the likelihood of pregnancy is low. If the shot was started at some other point in your cycle there may be a slightly higher risk of pregnancy. Be sure to mention your concerns to your doctor and they will determine the need for pregnancy testing. Thanks for visiting Urban Housecall!
Thank you, it was about 1 1/2 weeks after my period when I had it removed.. Everything I eat or drink makes me sick to my tummy.. Called doc this morning have appt for Friday…
Did u get prego? Im in the same situation. After having the IUD for 4 1/2 years i had it removed 8 days after my last period started and got the depo injection on the same day. Then 2 days later my husband and i had unprotected sex and now im worried that i didn’t wait enough time for the depo to take effect.
Im on Kariva and it’s giving me headaches how do I switch one from one pill to another and how do I do it? Do I have to wait till I finish this pack? The headaches are killing me
I switched from Nora QB birth control pill to Depo shot for birth control about a week ago. I switched from the pill to depo because I was having more frequent bleeding with my pill that I didn’t use to have before. I seem to be having hot flashes now that I didn’t have when on the pill. I am 48 years old and understand that I am para-menopausal, but I’m concerned because I didn’t have the hot flashes before and I want to avoid this symptom of menopause. Also, I have high blood pressure so I cannot take estrogen birth control. Is this a temporary side effect as my body gets use to the Depo or did I make a mistake switching birth control?
I am wanting to switch from the Depo-provera shot to some form of birth control pill, and i was wondering if when I started my pills if it would bring my period a long faster?
I did the switch from depo to orthotricyclin and I just had a period, or so I think, I’ve been bleeding about three days now. I started the shot in November 2005 and my last shot was November 2012. When I was due for my next injection on January 2013, I switched to the pill, so about two months is when I started a period again. But is different for everyone.
I am switching from Loestrin 24 to lo loestrin. do i need protection within the 7 days of switching? They are the same type of pills but the one i switched to is a lower hormone dose.
I switched from Aviane to Monessa. I had sex without a condom about a week or two after switching. I took the pill in my new Monessa pack the same day and time as usual. There was no time in between where there wasnt any birth control in my system. I am really worried that I may be pregnant. PLEASE RESPOND!!
I switched from the mirena iud to the pill I started the pill the same day I got my iud taken out. We used condoms for a week as the told me but I’m about to start my second pack of pills and I still haven’t got my period, I never had a period on the iud should I be concerned?
did you ever get your period? or did u just start the next birth control? I am in the same boat and nervous. Not sure what to do
I don’t think you should be worried. I’m not speaking from experience but when I was looking into what method I wanted to take, I read about them all. And I’m pretty sure that with any of the long term methods like the iud or the shot, if you take it out because you want to get pregnant, your chances aren’t back to normal for up to like 6 months. You can get pregnant after, but I think the chances are almost as low as when you had it in, because it was a long term device and the hormones and stuff take longer to cycle through your system. If you’re still worried then I would get a test or wait a couple weeks and check for symptoms of pregnancy but when you switch you’re probably not going to get your period normally, if you get it at all, for at least a little while.
Idk how much that helps but I know how stressful these things can be so I thought I might be able to take some of the worry away:) I hope things turn out well for you!
I too switched from the mirena to the depo shot. They took the iud out the same day they gave me the shot. I waited a week before my husband and i had intercourse. it has been a month and still no period.I got my period last month and it ended the day before i made the switch but so far nothing
I had the depo shot for 1 month then had the iud inserted is there any possibility I could of gotten pregnant?
I switched from a pill to the Depo shot. I got my first injection the day before my period. When I got my period it was very light and spotty. I was told to wait 2 weeks before having unprotected sex. I had unprotected sex about 3 days after the 2 weeks suggested time. Its 2 weeks later and I have not gotten a period or spotted. However, I do feel like I have cramps. Should i worry if I’m pregnant?
I’m switching from Jolivette (minipill) to OrthoTricyclen Lo. My doctor wants me to wait a week between the end of my old pack and the beginning of the new. Why? I just had a period. Does that mean I’ll have another?
I use to be on the depo but my doc switched me to da pill;i took it for three months ;i had iregular periods so i got back on the shot ;what did i do wrong?
I went from depo to implanon but I waited two weeks after my last shot was due & never got the shot . Within 3 days of having the implanon ad unprotected sex idk I’m scared
I was on the pill for a year and one month and had a hard time taking it everyday due to my hectic job and school hours. I got the shot 4 days after the end of my period and did not take any more pills. I had sex with my boyfriend 5 days later and the condom broke during intercorse.. Am I most likely safe or should I get a plan B pill? The dr. said my period would likely stop on the shot so how would I tell if I am pregnant?? Insight please.
I just changed from depo to the implanon and haven’t had periods and now I’ve had my period for about a week could that be from switching birth control?
Yes i think it will be i was on the pill and i had irregular bleeding then i got the depo jab and i haven’t had a period for over 3 years! i now have to switch to the implant because theres not enough hormones in my body! The doctor told me i may get my period once on the implant so dont worry =)
I had my Mirena removed today due to some unknown pelvic pain that they can’t seem to diagnose. They said to call them back and let them know how I was feeling and if it was gone. They didn’t give me the depo shot today or any other kind of birth control. They said that they want me to wait until I call back in 2 weeks and let them know how things were going, should they have given me the shot today or is it ok that they are going to wait at least 2 weeks?
I just got the iud taken out the doctor told me wait till I have period to start the birth control pills Which I did I was on iud for 1 1/2 now 2 weeks later still on pills can me and my husband have sex now without worrying if I get pregnant we don’t want anymore kids yet
hi
ive just started taking YAz and i can feel my body is funny and my mood is pure aggression, the reason i took it was to miss my period as i will be having it whilst on holiday and we going camping this is NOT ideal..
please can someone tell me what to do about changing and still being able to skip my period
I was on depo long enough to receive 3 injections. When it was time for my 4th I switched to Ortho tri cyclen for about a week then discontinued bc all together. A week later I bleed for 6 days. That was 3 weeks ago and I’m having horrible pregnacy symptoms. I’d it possible I may have conceived?
I had my Mirena IUD removed on Friday and started the pill the same day. I was told there was no need for a back up form of protection but I’m nervous fate reading different posts. I did not have a monthly cycle on the IUD but started the second day in the pill. We had sex later in the day on Friday after I took my first pill, am I still protected or should I be worried?
I have now been off of Depo Provera for 6 months and was waiting for my period to come back before having a copper IUD inserted but I still have not started menstruating. I’ve had a brown discharge twice, both times I assumed my period was starting but they only lasted two days. Will it be more difficult for me to have an IUD inserted without my menstrual cycle and when can I expect to start menstruating again?
Hi Phynix,
How did ur situation pan out for u? I’m in the same boat. Had it removed on friday and started the pill on Sunday, started bleeding and I’m thinking that’s my period but not quite sure.
im just dont finish my last pack of pills i had a period on my on the pill and i am switchen to a new kind of period is it okay if i start the new pill
I had my implant removed 3w ago I started the pill the same day. We have had sex with a few days of having the implant out – would I ave been covered by the pill?
Hi well im toffany an i just got of the depo shot an switched to the pill but im not sure if im supposed to wait until my period comes back to take it or was supposed to start that same day please help me im confusedconfused
You should start it immediately. Im going off depo to pill soon and my nurse said to start it immediately.
Depo provera works instantaneously, so having sex unproctect even instantly after receiving the shot, your chance of getting pregnant is slim to none…
I got injected with Depo three months ago.. December. I was suppose to get my second March 6-20th but I don’t want Depo anymore. I was wondering how long I should wait until I start the patch. Please answer!! I’ve done lots of research and I haven’t got anything out of it.
went to dr today was suppose to take shot but i didnt.The shot was making me all depressed n shits so i switch to the pill was told by dr f to start pill today.and was told my period would cum when i finish first pack of pill,im sensible enough to know that ,that blood woulnd be the real period, it would be force blood
I was on the Depo shot for about 2 and a half years, with no period. In March of 2013, I decided to switch to the pill, Lessina. I have now been on the pill and off of the shot for about a month, and still haven’t had a period, or any sign of my period. Me and my boyfriend have had unprotected sex since I’ve switched from the Depo. Any suggestions?
Question on this quote: “If you take the pill:
It isn’t necessary to wait to finish the entire pill pack before switching to another form of birth control. You can stop taking the pill at any point in the pack, but it is necessary to always start a new pill pack by taking the first pill in the pack.” – My gyno failed to mention that…
When I switched, it was on a Thursday in the first week of my old pill pack, I just took out Mon-Wed of the new pack and took Thursday’s pill. My boyfriend and I had sex that night and again on the following Tuesday. Did I put us at risk of pregnancy?
Hi, when I switched from the patch to the pill, I used all 3 patches and after that I got my period. After my period ended, I started the pill. Could I still have gotten pregnant?
I got the Depo shot in January of this year. I had to switch from the Depo to the pill because I had my period for 3 months straight. Which made me anemic. I’m suppost to be put on the pill today but I’m scared something bad will happen. Can anyone help me?
I currently have my tubes tied. i recently decided to get on another form of birthcontrol because my sister and her best friend both got pregnant with their tubes tied. Both miscarried. I dont want to go through that if i was in the percentage so i decided to get a depo injection on March 27. my doc said she did not need to wait for a period because she was sure i was not pregnant. I did not get a period until April 18. I would have usually got my period a week earlier than that. It was basically brown discharge. that lasted for about 1 week and then i started spotted with no break in between and I have been spotting ever since. It never has been heavy. i use a panty liner. My doc told me to take 800 mg of ibuprofen 3x a day for 3-5 days and that should help, but i still spot. i may have stopped once or twice but it always come back. My next shot is due june 12-26. I decided i was going on the pill. how long does spotting last and when can i actually get on the pill?
I’m on the depo for 2months and want to switch to the iud cause I been bleeding for a month I want to know if I can get it while on the shot?
i spoke with my doctor a few days ago about being on depo and spotting. I told her i wanted to go on the pill. she told me i can start on the pill this sunday (mothers day). I origianlly got the shot March 27 and have been bleeding since April 18. I hope the pill will stop the bleeding.
Hi there,
I switched from Yasmin to Marvelon (both combined pills) I was on Yasmin for 10 years and switched by recommendation from my Doctor due to bad headaches.
She knew I was on my pill free week at the time and told me to start the new pills after the 7days. It’s 2 1/2 weeks since I started the new one and my breasts are huge and sore. I am also feeling very fiery. I have since learned that I was supposed to use extra precaution and not take the pill break. I have had sex a few times with my fiance as I didnt know til now.
Can anyone give me some advice?? Please and thank you
I started birth control pills for the first time this sunday, i got my periodthe day before saturday. I am switching to a different type since the one i am on now is not covered by my insurance. Lets say i get my new pills next week how would i start them?