Let’s face it: there are many different birth control options available today. Some women turn to birth control pills like Slynd® (drospirenone). Slynd® is a progestin indicated for use by females of reproductive potential to prevent pregnancy.
Please see Important Risk Information about Slynd® below.
Others turn to intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, or other options. But, how they land on the right birth control option often starts in the same way — with a doctor’s appointment and an open, honest discussion.
While it’s natural to feel hesitant to approach your doctor with certain conversations — since reports have shown that women’s questions are often dismissed in medical settings — voicing your questions and concerns can make all the difference in finding the birth control option that may be right for you.
Below are four reasons why an initial consultation with your OB/GYN or healthcare provider can make a world of difference in your contraception journey.
It helps ensure you and your doctor are on the same page
Once you set up a designated doctor’s appointment to talk about birth control options, you are carving out space in both of your days to get on the same page. The time spent with your doctor can make a huge difference.
This time allows your doctor to get to know you better, giving you the chance to bring up anything on your mind. It also allows your healthcare provider to determine what birth control methods would be a good fit for you while considering your medical history and risk factors.
You get to ask birth control questions in a safe space and to a trusted source
Although over-the-counter options are available, your doctor can take into account your health history and personal preferences.
On that note, when you set up a birth control-specific doctor’s appointment, you’re also doing yourself a big favor by not relying solely on the Internet.
While many people try to get health information from Dr. Google, the truth is that it can be overwhelming and not always the most trusted resource for such a big decision in your everyday life. Some things are just better left to the professionals!
It helps you better understand what is important to you and what may be best for your body
In addition to asking your doctor questions about the potential physical side effects of each birth control option, a consultation session also makes it easy for you to ask questions about how they can fit into your lifestyle.
Slynd® included a diverse group of women with different body types in its clinical trial. Many women choose estrogen-free birth control if they want to avoid the added worry of estrogen related side-effects, are breastfeeding, are over the age of 35 and smoke, or suffer from certain vascular health conditions. There are many considerations that go into selecting the right birth control pill for you.* †
*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, 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 below.
Slynd® also offers users flexibility with its 24-hour missed pill window, which can help maintain its effectiveness even if a dose is taken late due to your busy lifestyle.^
^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.
You can prioritize your reproductive and overall health
Since it’s on your healthcare provider to answer your questions, you can confidently express your wishes to find a birth control pill that meets more than one of your needs. For example, if you’re interested in using a pill like Slynd®, which offers pregnancy prevention efficacy~ while being suitable for many hormone-conscious individuals, sharing this priority will help guide the discussion.
~ In a clinical study of 953 females, ≤ 35 years of age, 98.2% avoided pregnancy.
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), or have or have had depression.
Please see additional Important Risk Information below.
Slynd®’s website also offers a doctor discussion guide, a helpful tool to make the most out of your appointment. The guide includes suggested questions to ask your doctor about how Slynd® may fit your health needs, including topics like side effects, dosage instructions, and what your period may be like when taking Slynd®.
No matter when you schedule your consultation, remember that you can help set the tone for a productive conversation. Don’t be afraid to prep ahead of time, jot down your questions, and think about how you want your birth control option to fit into your everyday life. You’ve got this!
Learn more about how to get prescribed birth control here.
References
Reference: 1. Slynd package insert.
SLY-24-722 R00
