This article is sponsored by Slynd® (drospirenone)

Taking control of your reproductive health is an empowering step in every woman's life. Whether you're considering birth control for the first time or looking to switch methods, understanding how to find the right birth control for you is important. 

This guide will walk you through the process, emphasizing the importance of open and honest communication with your healthcare provider and making informed decisions about your body. 

Why talking to your doctor about birth control matters

When it comes to birth control, one size definitely doesn't fit all. Your body is unique, and what works for your best friend or sister might not be a good option for you. That's why having an initial consultation with your OB/GYN or healthcare provider about the wide world of contraceptive options is so important. They can take into account your medical history and personal preferences to recommend an appropriate birth control option for you. 

Questions to ask your doctor about birth control

To make the most of your appointment, it's helpful to come prepared with questions. Here are some suggested topics to discuss with your healthcare provider:

  • What are the different types of birth control available?
  • How effective are each of these methods?
  • What are the potential side effects?
  • How might birth control affect my menstrual cycle?
  • Are there any health conditions or medications that might interact with birth control?
  • How soon can I expect birth control to be effective?
  • What are the potential side effects of different types of birth control?
  • What should I do if I miss a dose?
  • How often will I need to renew my prescription?

Don't be shy about asking these questions or any others that come to mind. Your doctor is there to help you make an informed decision and help ensure your health and well-being.

woman researching how to get birth control

Understanding the different types of hormonal birth control

Many forms of birth control contain hormones, which is why it's good to understand exactly what you're putting into your body before you take the leap.

While combination birth control pills (containing both estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only pills (POPs) are both FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy in females who can become pregnant, one may be more appropriate for you than the other, depending on your body and health. 

Combination birth control pills are designed to suppress ovulation, thicken cervical mucus to block sperm, and thin the uterine lining to reduce the likelihood of implantation. One way progestin-only pills are designed to work is to thicken cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to travel through the cervix and reach any egg that might be released, with less consistent ovulation suppression and alterations to the uterine lining.

Slynd®(drospirenone) is a progestin-only pill that is designed to lower the risk of becoming pregnant primarily by suppressing ovulation and also offers a 24-hour missed pill window.*

*If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember and continue your regular schedule. If you miss two or more pills, use non-hormonal backup birth control (e.g., condoms) for 7 days after missing your pills. Missing pills may cause spotting or light bleeding.

While hormonal birth control may be appropriate for some women, it can affect your body in various ways. Many considerations go into selecting the right birth control pill for you. These can include wanting to avoid estrogen or being told by your doctor to avoid estrogen because of a health problem, currently breastfeeding, or are over the age of 35 and smoke.^†

^Do not take Slynd® if you have kidney disease or kidney failure, have reduced adrenal gland function (adrenal insufficiency), have or have had cervical cancer or any cancer that is sensitive to female hormones, have liver disease, including liver tumors, or have unexplained vaginal bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of these conditions. Your doctor can suggest a different method of birth control. 

†Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a blood clot, or if you plan to have surgery, or are not able to be active due to illness or injury. Please see additional Important Risk Information at the end of the article.

woman talking with doctor about birth control options

The importance of professional guidance

While it’s good news that over-the-counter birth control options have become more widely available in recent years, it’s beneficial to understand the importance of making birth control decisions with your healthcare professional. Additionally, skipping routine doctor visits can lead to missed screenings for sexually transmitted infections or other health concerns.

Your doctor can help you navigate potential pros and cons based on your individual health profile. They can also guide you on how different types of birth control might interact with other medications you're taking or impact existing health conditions.

Exploring telemedicine options

In our increasingly digital world, telemedicine has emerged as a convenient option for accessing healthcare services, including birth control prescriptions. One such service is NurxTM, an online platform that connects patients with healthcare providers for birth control consultations and prescriptions.

NurxTM and similar services can be particularly helpful for women who live in rural areas, have busy schedules, or feel uncomfortable discussing birth control in person. However, it's important to remember that while these services can be convenient, they don't replace the comprehensive care you can receive from your regular healthcare provider.

If you choose to use a telemedicine service, be sure to provide a complete and accurate medical history.

Taking the next steps

Now that you understand the importance of professional assessment in accessing birth control, it's time to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your options. If you don't have a regular doctor or gynecologist, consider contacting a local women's health clinic or Planned Parenthood center.

Remember, getting prescribed contraception is not just a one-time event. It's the beginning of an ongoing conversation about your reproductive health. Be prepared to follow up with your doctor, especially in the first few months of starting a new method, to ensure your birth control method is appropriate for you.

three women feeling empowered about their birth control choices

Embracing your reproductive health journey

There's no shame in seeking out birth control or in asking questions about your reproductive health. Choosing to get prescribed contraception is a decision that empowers you to help plan your future.

As you embark on this journey, stay informed, listen to your body, and don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider with any concerns or questions. Here's to your health, your choices, and your future!

Learn more about how to talk to your doctor about birth control here.

Slynd does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

What is SLYND?

SLYND is a birth control pill (oral contraceptive) that is used by females who can become pregnant to prevent pregnancy.

Slynd® Important Risk Information

The progestin drospirenone may increase potassium levels in your blood. You should not take SLYND if you have kidney, liver or adrenal disease because this could cause serious heart problems as well as other health problems. Other medicines may also increase potassium levels in your blood. If you are currently on daily, long-term treatment for a chronic health condition with any of the medicines listed below, talk to your healthcare provider about whether SLYND is right for you. If you take any of the medicines listed below for a chronic health condition you should have a blood test to check the potassium level in your blood before you start taking SLYND and during the first month that you take SLYND.

  • medicines to treat fungal infections, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, or voriconazole
  • medicines to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection or Hepatitis C infection, such as indinavir or boceprevir
  • clarithromycin

Do not take SLYND if you:

  • have kidney disease or kidney failure.
  • have reduced adrenal gland function.
  • have or have had cervical cancer or any cancer that is sensitive to female hormones.
  • have liver disease, including liver tumors.
  • have unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Tell your healthcare providers if you have or have had any of these conditions. Your healthcare provider can suggest a different method of birth control.

If any of these conditions happen while you are taking SLYND, stop taking SLYND right away and talk to your healthcare provider. Use non-hormonal contraception when you stop taking SLYND.

Before you take SLYND, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
  • have ever had blood clots in your legs (deep vein thrombosis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), or a stroke or heart attack (myocardial infarction).
  • have or have had depression.

Tell your healthcare providers about all the medicines you take including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements, such as St. John’s Wort. SLYND may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how well SLYND works.

What are the possible serious side effects of SLYND?

SLYND may cause serious side effects, including:

  • High potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia). Certain medicines and conditions can also increase the potassium levels in your blood. Your healthcare provider may check the potassium levels in your blood before and during treatment with SLYND. Call your healthcare provider or go to a hospital emergency room right away if you have signs or symptoms of high potassium levels in your blood including:
    • weakness or numbness in an arm or leg.
    • palpitations (feel like your heart is racing or fluttering) or irregular heartbeat.
    • nausea.
    • vomiting.
    • severe pain in your chest.
    • shortness of breath.
  • Blood clot forming in blood vessels. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a blood clot. Tell your healthcare provider if you plan to have surgery or are not able to be active due to illness or injury. Call your healthcare provider or go to a hospital or emergency room right away if you have:
    • leg pain that will not go away.
    • a sudden, severe headache unlike your usual headaches.
    • sudden, severe shortness of breath.
    • sudden change in vision or blindness.
    • chest pain.
    • weakness or numbness in your arm or leg.
    • trouble speaking.
  • Bone loss.
  • Cervical Cancer.
  • Liver problems, including liver tumors.
  • Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in your tubes). This is a medical emergency that often requires surgery. If you have severe abdominal pain, call your healthcare provider or go  to a hospital emergency room right away.
  • Risk of high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
  • Changes in menstrual bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have changes in menstrual bleeding.
  • Depression, especially if you have had depression in the past.

What are the most common side effects of SLYND?

  • acne
  • headache
  • breast pain and tenderness
  • weight gain
  • menstrual cramps
  • nausea
  • severe vaginal bleeding
  • less sexual desire

These are not all the possible side effects of SLYND.

Please read the full Prescribing Information including Patient Information here.

Reference: 1. Micronor Package Insert

                    2. Opill Patient Labeling

SLY-24-669 R00