Choosing birth control is personal. What worked perfectly last year might not fit your life anymore. And that’s completely normal. Your body changes, your goals shift, and your needs evolve. The question isn’t whether your birth control will always be right for you—it’s knowing when to switch birth control to something that works better.
If you’ve been wondering lately whether your current method is still the best choice, you’re not alone. Many women reach a point where they need to reassess. Here are five signs that it might be time to explore other options—for you, your partner, or both.
1. You’re Experiencing Unwanted Side Effects
Let’s be honest—no birth control should make you feel terrible. If you’re dealing with persistent side effects that affect your daily life, that’s your body telling you something.
Common side effects that might signal it’s time for a change include:
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression that started after beginning your current method
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight despite no changes to diet or exercise
- Persistent headaches or migraines
- Decreased sex drive (ironic, right?)
- Nausea or breakthrough bleeding that hasn’t improved over time
A 2012 Guttmacher Institute study found that 78% of women seeking abortion care—a group at high risk of unintended pregnancy—rated “lack of side effects” as an extremely important contraceptive feature, with side effects being one of the top reasons women discontinue their birth control methods.
If hormonal side effects are your concern, exploring hormone-free options like the Caya diaphragm might give you the protection you need without the unwanted effects.
2. Your Health Situation Has Changed
Life throws curveballs. Sometimes those curveballs mean your current birth control is no longer the safest choice for you.
You might need to reconsider your method if you:
- Develop high blood pressure or cardiovascular concerns
- Are diagnosed with migraines with aura (a contraindication for estrogen-containing methods)
- Start breastfeeding and want to avoid hormones
- Begin taking medications that interact with hormonal birth control
- Are preparing for surgery (some hormonal methods increase blood clot risk)
- Receive a diagnosis that makes hormonal methods risky
Your healthcare provider should help you navigate these changes. But knowing that options exist—including barrier methods like Caya that don’t interfere with other health conditions—can make these conversations easier.
3. Your Birth Control Doesn’t Fit Your Lifestyle Anymore
Remember when you first chose your birth control? Your life might have looked completely different then. Maybe you were in college, or just starting a new job, or in a different relationship.
Your birth control should adapt to your life, not the other way around. Consider whether:
- You’re tired of remembering a daily pill or dealing with pharmacy refills
- You travel frequently and find your current method inconvenient
- You want more control over when you use birth control (rather than having it in your system constantly)
- Your relationship status has changed and your needs are different
- You’re concerned about the environmental impact of disposable methods
The beauty of modern birth control is choice. Methods like the Caya diaphragm offer flexibility—you only use it when you need it, it’s portable enough to travel anywhere, and it’s reusable for up to two years. That kind of flexibility matters when your life is anything but predictable. (Check out our video about being in control of your contraception with Caya!)
4. You’re Thinking About Future Pregnancy
Planning ahead isn’t just smart—it’s empowering. If pregnancy is on your radar for the next year or two, you might want to consider how your current birth control affects that timeline.
Some birth control methods, particularly hormonal options, can take several months for your fertility to return to normal after stopping. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, while most women’s fertility returns quickly, some hormonal methods like Depo-Provera can delay pregnancy for up to 10 months or longer after the last injection.
Barrier methods like diaphragms offer an advantage here—there’s no waiting period. When you’re ready to try to conceive, you simply stop using it. Your natural cycle continues uninterrupted.
5. It’s Time to Talk About Shared Responsibility
Here’s something we need to say out loud: birth control shouldn’t automatically be only the woman’s responsibility. If you’re in a relationship with a male partner, it might be time to have a conversation about sharing that responsibility.
Male contraception options include:
- Condoms – The most accessible option, with the added benefit of STI protection
- Vasectomy – A permanent option for men who are certain they don’t want (more) children. It’s simpler, safer, and more effective than tubal ligation for women
- Withdrawal method – Less reliable but can be used alongside other methods for extra protection
If you’ve been carrying the mental load of birth control—dealing with side effects, remembering pills, scheduling appointments, managing costs—it’s completely reasonable to ask your partner to step up. A vasectomy consultation costs less than many women pay annually for birth control. The recovery time is minimal compared to what women endure with IUD insertions or tubal ligations. And for couples who are done having children, it makes practical sense.
And here’s the thing: many couples find that combining methods works best. Using Caya along with condoms, for instance, provides excellent protection and shares the responsibility. Your partner using condoms while you use Caya means neither person is solely responsible for preventing pregnancy.
Birth control is a shared decision. If your current arrangement feels unfair or if you’re experiencing negative effects, it’s worth discussing all the options—including male contraception—with your partner.
What Happens When You Switch?
If you’re recognizing yourself in these signs, the next step is having an honest conversation with your healthcare provider. They can help you:
- Safely transition from your current method
- Explore alternatives that address your specific concerns
- Understand how different options work with your body and lifestyle
- Get prescriptions or referrals for new methods
When considering alternatives, think about what matters most to you. Do you want hormone-free birth control? Something with fewer side effects? More control over when you use it? Better environmental impact? Shared responsibility with your partner?
The Caya contoured diaphragm offers many of these benefits—it’s 100% hormone-free, woman-controlled, reusable, and has no systemic side effects. But the right choice ultimately depends on your individual needs, health history, and preferences—and potentially what your partner is willing to contribute.
You Deserve Birth Control That Works For You
Here’s the truth: there’s no single “perfect” birth control method. What’s perfect is finding the option that works best for your body, your health, your lifestyle, and your goals right now.
Birth control isn’t a lifetime commitment. It’s okay to change your mind. It’s okay to try something different. It’s okay to prioritize your wellbeing and comfort. And it’s absolutely okay to ask your partner to share the responsibility.
If any of these five signs resonated with you, consider it permission to explore your options. Learn about what’s new in contraception and emerging birth control options or read about how hormone-free options like Caya work. And if you have a male partner, maybe it’s time to have that conversation about vasectomy or other male contraception options. Your future self might thank you for taking this step.
After all, the best birth control is the one you feel good about using—whether that’s something you control, something your partner controls, or ideally, something you decide on together.
The information included in this blog post is accurate as of publication. For the most current details about Caya, or if you have specific questions about your contraception options, please visit our FAQ at Caya.US.com or consult with your healthcare provider
