Author
Anna Funk, PhD
This post is a continuation of Part I: Anna’s
I’ve always wondered if any of my health concerns were connected to the I was on. Like many women, I’ve been on various types of — a couple different combined pills, and most recently a hormonal IUD (read more here) — but never knew which ones might be best (or worst) for me. So I was super eager to take adyn’s Birth Control Test.
Sharing my goals
While I waited for my test to arrive, I filled out the online questionnaire. It asked me about my goals for , which no doctor had ever asked me before. What would you achieve with your if you could? It felt like making a wish list. Prevent pregnancy, sure, but what if I could also reduce acne, avoid menstrual cramps, or skip my period altogether? No promises here, but it was helpful to think through what my health priorities are. I liked the convenience of my hormonal IUD, but knew there was a chance it wasn’t delivering in all the ways could.
The questionnaire also asked me about my current concerns, and any side effects I’d like to avoid. My number one concern with taking is depression: Mine’s already a beast, and I especially want to avoid any that might make it worse. Finally, it asked for a detailed medical history.
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Collecting my samples
The test arrived in a package slightly smaller than a shoebox. Inside were two smaller white boxes, my activation code for the test, a cute lemon sticker (#sideeffectssuck), an encouraging note from adyn founder Elizabeth Ruzzo, and an (optional) invitation to a “Prick Party.” For the latter, adyn invites you to set up a video call when you’re collecting your samples for your blood test (ideally this is on day 3 of your period), in case you’re nervous and want support or have questions while you’re doing it. I didn’t set one up, since I’m not squeamish at all, and am really good at reading directions. Or so I thought!
Inside the first white box was the spit test to collect some of my . adyn uses this to check for a bunch of gene s with known associations to things like blood clots and depression. The spit test was easy peasy, I had no shortage of saliva to spit into the tube to fill to the line, and packed it right up to ship off to the lab.
Next up was the blood test. This one involved a few more steps but was still easy to understand and complete — just be sure to read the directions carefully before you start!
To be honest, I regret not doing the Prick Party, and would highly recommend it for others — even if you’re confident like me. It just seems like a no-brainer to have someone experienced on-hand in case any questions come up as you’re collecting your samples.
Getting my results
A few weeks later, I got an email that my results were ready and waiting for me at my.adyn.com. There was a TON of information in the online report, with lots of easy-to-understand explanations of what they tested and what the results mean for me. It was so informative!
I found out whether I have genetic s associated with blood clots or depression, which will help me make informed decisions about risks. My levels, too, were interesting to see, but more importantly, will give the doctor some reference information for helping me choose the best for me.
Finally, the good stuff: Detailed information on how different types of will mesh with my specific biology, based on my survey answers, genetic results, and hormones. This part of the report walked me through each major type of and what is known about how it relates to my goals, current concerns, and any associated health risks.
Detailed information on how different types of will mesh with my specific biology, based on my survey answers, genetic results, and hormones.
I read through the list, and could see how each might fit (or not) with my biology — the pros and cons of each. The combined pill, the , hormonal IUD, copper IUD, the patch, ring, shot, and implant. So much great information!
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Talking with a provider
There was a clear winner for me, based on the report: the combined pill. But before doing anything with that information, there was one more step: A telehealth visit with an adyn partner provider (included with the cost of the test!).
Scheduling was easy online, and so was the video visit. The doctor was familiar with my results before our visit, and so was ready to answer my questions and recommend a that was the best fit for me. He was super friendly, and it was a first for me to have a doctor’s visit exclusively about , its non-contraceptive uses, and potential side effects.
The doctor recommended I switch to Levono-E Estrad, a type of combined pill I’d never been on before (and admittedly had never heard of). He wrote me a prescription for a 3-month supply and gave me the option to use a mail-order pharmacy and have it sent to my house.
It was a first for me to have a doctor’s visit exclusively about , its non-contraceptive uses, and potential side effects.
Making the switch
I’ve officially made the switch! I’d had a hormonal IUD, which it turns out was possibly the worst option for me. I loved the convenience, and the no periods (and no cramps) it gave me, but none of that is worth the potential side effects. I had no idea! I feel much more confident and educated about my new prescription.
There could be a lot to learn about your body and your that you didn’t know, and could lead you to a with fewer side effects and even some extra benefits.
