16 Worst Birth Control Mistakes

8 You’re on the wrong pill

8

People call it “the pill,” but there are a bunch of different types, with some more effective than others. If you’re breast-feeding or have heart disease, migraines, or other reasons you can’t take estrogen, it may make sense to be on a progestin-only pill (or “mini-pill”), but a combination pill provides more pregnancy protection.

“Choosing between birth control pills is more of an art than a science,” says Dr. Edelman. Talk to your doctor about balancing the highest level of efficacy with your other needs and concerns.