Expert: Norman Solberg - 11/28/2009

Question
Hi, I am switching birth controls and had heard that the first month on the new pill you are more fertile.  I was just wondering if this was true and if I should take extra precautions for the next month.  Thank you.

Answer
In general it's not true.  If you were switching from  a very high dose pill to a very low dose pill, it might decrease effectiveness slightly.  But most pills used today have similar doses, so you'll be protected equally when you start the new pill.  No extra precautions are needed.