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This article is sponsored by Slynd® (drospirenone)
There’s no denying that birth control access can be essential, and we’re fortunate to have a variety of options at our fingertips. But with reproductive choice comes the responsibility of making an informed decision, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Two types of hormonal birth control are progestin-only and combination methods. Both types of birth control are designed to work differently.
Whether you’re considering starting birth control for the first time or thinking about switching methods, understanding the various options can help you make the best choice for your body with your healthcare provider. So, let’s break it down.
Combination birth control: The dynamic duo
Now, let’s talk about combination birth control. As the name suggests, combination birth control contains two types of hormones: estrogen and progestin. These methods mimic the natural hormones in our bodies but at levels that prevent ovulation and are suitable for women with no medical reasons not to take both types of hormones. You might be familiar with the combination pill, but this hormone duo is also available in other methods. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.
Progestin-only birth control: Flying solo
As you might have guessed, progestin-only birth control is estrogen-free and contains only one hormone: progestin. Different progestin-only options work in different ways, common ways they work include thickening cervical mucus and suppressing ovulation to lower risk of becoming pregnant.
Progestin-only methods come in various forms, including pills (often call the “mini-pill”), injections, implants, and hormonal IUDs (intrauterine devices). Progestin-only birth control may be appropriate for many women who can’t or would prefer not to use estrogen-containing methods.
Slynd® (drospirenone)
If you’re looking for an estrogen-free birth control option that was studied in a wide range of body types, then Slynd® may be a good option for you.
Slynd® is a progestin-only oral birth control pill that is used by females who can become pregnant to prevent pregnancy. Drospirenone, the active ingredient in Slynd®, is designed to lower the risk of becoming pregnant primarily by suppressing ovulation.
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.
Please see additional Important Risk Information below.
Sometimes life gets busy and you may forget to take your daily pill. Slynd® has a flexible 24-hour window to catch-up on a missed pill. While this is convenient, it is important to try to take your pill at the same time every day. 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.
Making your choice: It’s personal.
Choosing a contraceptive is all about what is appropriate for you. This might depend on factors like your medical history, lifestyle, and personal preferences, which is why it’s so crucial to have an open and honest conversation with your doctor before making your decision. Here you’ll find a doctor discussion guide that can help you get some ideas on what to discuss with your doctor at your next appointment if you are considering going on birth control.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and understand your options about your reproductive health. Here’s to making informed choices, advocating for ourselves, and embracing the power of choice for birth control options.
Learn more about estrogen-free birth control options 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.
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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 oremergency 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. Slynd package insert.
SLY-24-670 R00
