How to change contraceptives without risking pregnancy

Female contraceptives are medicines or medical devices used to prevent pregnancy and can be used as a pill, vaginal ring, transdermal patch, implant, injectable or intrauterine system. There are also barrier methods, such as condoms, that should be used not only to prevent pregnancy, but also to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

Given the wide variety of female contraceptives available and the different impact they can have on each woman, sometimes the doctor may recommend switching from one contraceptive to another, in order to find out which one best suits each case. However, in order to exchange contraceptives, care must be taken, because in some cases there may be a risk of pregnancy.

How to switch contraceptives

Depending on the contraceptive you are taking and the one you want to start, you must proceed appropriately for each case. See how to proceed in each of the following situations:

1. From one combined pill to another

If the person is taking a combined contraceptive and decides to switch to another combined pill, he should preferably start it the day after the last active oral contraceptive tablet used previously, and at the latest, the day after the interval usual without treatment.

If it is a combined pill that has inactive pills, called placebo, they should not be taken and therefore the new pill should be started on the day after taking the last active pill from the previous pack. However, although it is not the most recommended, you can also start the new pill the day after taking the last inactive pill.

Is there a risk of becoming pregnant?

No. If the previous instructions are followed, and if the woman has used the previous method correctly, there is no risk of becoming pregnant and therefore it is not necessary to use another contraceptive method.

2. From a transdermal patch or vaginal ring to a combined pill

If the person is using a vaginal ring or a transdermal patch, they should start using the combined pill, preferably on the day the ring or patch is removed, but no later than the day when a new ring or patch is to be applied..

Is there a risk of becoming pregnant?

No. If the previous instructions are followed, and if the woman has used the previous method correctly, there is no risk of becoming pregnant and therefore it is not necessary to use another contraceptive method.

3. From an injectable, implant or IUS to a combined pill

In women who use an injectable contraceptive, implant or intrauterine system with progestin release, they should start using the combined oral pill on the date scheduled for the next injection or on the day of the implant or IUS extraction.

Is there a risk of becoming pregnant?

Yes. There is a risk of becoming pregnant in the first days, so the woman must use a condom in the first 7 days of using the combined oral pill.

4. From a mini pill to a combined pill

Switching from a mini-pill to a combined pill can be done any day.

Is there a risk of becoming pregnant?

Yes. When changing from a mini-pill to a combined pill, there is a risk of becoming pregnant and therefore the woman must use a condom during the first 7 days of treatment with the new contraceptive.

5. Switch from one mini-pill to another

If the person is taking a mini-pill and decides to switch to another mini-pill, they can do it any day.

Is there a risk of becoming pregnant?

No. If the previous instructions are followed, and if the woman has used the previous method correctly, there is no risk of becoming pregnant and therefore it is not necessary to use another contraceptive method.

6. From a combined pill, vaginal ring or patch to a mini pill

To switch from a combined pill to a mini-pill, a woman must take the first tablet the day after she takes the last tablet in the combined pill. If it is a combined pill that has inactive pills, called placebo, they should not be taken and therefore the new pill should be started on the day after taking the last active pill from the previous pack.

If you use a vaginal ring or transdermal patch, the woman should start the mini-pill the day after removing one of these contraceptives.

Is there a risk of becoming pregnant?

No. If the previous instructions are followed, and if the woman has used the previous method correctly, there is no risk of becoming pregnant and therefore it is not necessary to use another contraceptive method.

7. From an injectable, implant or IUS to a mini-pill

In women who use an injectable contraceptive, implant or intrauterine system with progestin release, they should start the mini-pill on the date scheduled for the next injection or on the day of implant or IUS extraction.

Is there a risk of becoming pregnant?

Yes. When changing from an injectable, implant or IUS to a mini-pill, there is a risk of becoming pregnant and therefore the woman must use a condom during the first 7 days of treatment with the new contraceptive.

8. From a combined pill or patch to a vaginal ring

The ring should be inserted at the most tradar the day after the usual untreated interval, either from a combined pill or from a transdermal patch. In the case of a combined pill that has inactive tablets, the ring should be inserted the day after taking the last inactive tablet. Learn all about vaginal ring.

Is there a risk of becoming pregnant?

No. If the previous instructions are followed, and if the woman has used the previous method correctly, there is no risk of becoming pregnant and therefore it is not necessary to use another contraceptive method.

9. From an injectable, implant or IUS to a vaginal ring

In women who use an injectable contraceptive, implant or intrauterine system with progestin release, they must insert the vaginal ring on the date scheduled for the next injection or on the day of the implant or IUS extraction.

Is there a risk of becoming pregnant?

Yes. There is a risk of becoming pregnant in the first days, so you should use a condom in the first 7 days of using the combined oral pill. Know the types of condoms and how to use them.

10. From a combined pill or vaginal ring to a transdermal patch

The patch should be placed no later than the day after the usual untreated interval, either from a combined pill or a transdermal patch. In the case of a combined pill that has inactive tablets, the ring should be inserted the day after taking the last inactive tablet.

Is there a risk of becoming pregnant?

No. If the previous instructions are followed, and if the woman has used the previous method correctly, there is no risk of becoming pregnant and therefore it is not necessary to use another contraceptive method.

11. From an injectable, implant or SIU to a transdermal patch

In women who use an injectable contraceptive, implant or intrauterine system with progestin release, they should put the patch on the scheduled date of the next injection or on the day of the implant or IUS extraction.

Is there a risk of becoming pregnant?

Yes. There is a risk of becoming pregnant in the first days, so the woman must use a condom in the first 7 days of using the combined oral pill.

12. From a combined pill to an injectable

Women using the combined pill must receive the injection within 7 days of taking the last active oral contraceptive pill.

Is there a risk of becoming pregnant?

No. If the woman receives the injection within the indicated period, there is no risk of becoming pregnant and, therefore, it is not necessary to use another contraceptive method.

Also watch the following video and see what to do if you forget to take the contraceptive: