The choices Progestogen-only pill

Progestogen-only pill

What is it?

The progestogen-only pill (POP) contains the hormone progestogen. It is taken at the same time every day without a break, which means that pills are also taken during your period. The POP does not contain estrogen, so is a good option for women who can't or do not want to take estrogen (eg breast feeding mothers/smokers over 35).

The POP can be started up to and including the fifth day of your period and protects immediately against pregnancy. If started on any other day, another method of contraception must also be used for two days.Depending on the type of pill, POPs have a three-hour or 12-hour missed pill window each day to be effective.

How does it work?

The POP works by:

• Thickening the mucus of the cervix to act as a barrier to sperm
• Stopping the fertilised egg settling by keeping the lining of the womb thin
• POPs sometimes stop your ovaries releasing an egg

How effective is it?

The POP is up to 99% effective when used correctly.

What are the benefits?

• Does not interrupt sex
• Suitable for breast feeding women
• Can be used if you are a smoker and over 35
• Ideal if taking estrogen is not an option

Who may not be able to / may not want to use it?

Women who:

• Don't want any changes to their periods
• Have had a heart attack, stroke or breast abnormality
• Have active liver disease
• Have breast cancer or have had breast cancer within the last five years
• Take certain medicines that can interfere with the effectiveness of the POP
• Suffer from migraines with aura
• Don't want to take a pill at the same time every day
• Might be pregnant

Possible side-effects?

Not all women will experience side-effects

• Periods can be irregular/lighter, more frequent or stop altogether
• Some women develop cysts on their ovaries - but these are very rarely serious and don't usually require any treatment
• Can increase the chance of an ectopic pregnancy but this is still less common than if no contraception is used
• Acne, libido decreased, headache, breast pain and weight increase

What if:

I miss a POP?

You should try to take your POP at the same time every day. If you take your POP within the specified window (either three hours or 12-hours depending on the type of pill) you will still be protected against pregnancy. If you exceed any of these missed pill windows you will not be protected against pregnancy and you will need to use additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms for up to seven days.

I want to become pregnant?

You can try to get pregnant as soon as you stop taking the POP. You can stop at any time. Ideally you should wait for one period before trying to get pregnant. Waiting means the pregnancy can be dated more accurately and you can start pre-pregnancy care, such as taking folic acid and stopping smoking.

This method does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections, so you may need to use a condom as well.

Remember: Contact your doctor or nurse if you have any concerns or are worried / unsure about anything to do with your contraception.