mini pill
progestogen only pill (POP)
The progesteron only pill is different to the combined oral contraceptive because instead of containing oestrogen and progesteron, it only contains progesteron. There are different types of POP, some containing different progesteron.
How effective is it?
If the POP is taken according to the instructions it is over 99% effective.
This means that less than 1 woman in a 100 will get pregnant in a year.
How does it work?
The main way the POP works is by making the mucous at
the neck of the womb thick. This means it is difficult for sperm to enter
the womb. Sometimes the POP can stop the ovaries releasing eggs. This is
more likely to happen with one particular POP called Cerazette. In addition,
all POPs make the lining of the womb thinner so if sperm did fertilise
an egg, the womb is less likely to be able to provide nourishment for this.
Where can I get the POP?
In Dumfries and Galloway you an get the POP from your GP, a Family
Planning and Sexual Health Clinic and a C2U clinic if
you are under 20.
Can anyone use the pill?
The POP is very safe and only a few women are not unable to take it. to
read more about conditions which may mean you should not
use the POP, click
here.
Conditions which may mean you should not use the POP.
- Now or in the past you have had a heart attack or a stroke
- Now or in the past you have had breast cancer
- You have had certain types of liver or gall bladder disease
- You have had a history of cysts on your ovaries
- You have had an ectopic pregnancy
- You have had diabetes for a long time or have complications with it
Many women who cannot take the combined oral contraceptive pill such as women who are over 35 and smoke are often able to use the POP because it does not contain oestrogen.
How old do I have to be to start the POP?
Once your periods have started you can take the POP.
What are the advantages of the POP?
Some of the good things about the POP are:
- There are no serious side effects
- It is useful if you cannot take oestrogens, like those found in the combined oral contraceptive pill
- You can use it if you are breast feeding
- It may help with pre-menstrual tension and heavy periods
What are the disadvantages of the pill?
- When you start any contraception which contains hormones, you may get spotty skin, sore breasts, put on some weight and have headaches. These symptoms normally stop within a few months. Speak to your doctor or nurse if you have any concerns.
- It is impossible to predict what your bleeding pattern will be like on the POP. Some women continue with their normal periods while for some other women their periods may become lighter and less frequent, possibly even stopping all together. There are some women who have troublesome frequent bleeding on the POP. Every patient is different and your doctor or nurse will want you to talk to them if you have worries about your bleeding.
- The POP will not protect you from sexually transmitted infections and many women continue to use condoms whilst taking the POP.
- If you did get pregnant whilst taking the POP, there is a chance that the pregnancy may be growing outside of the womb. This is called an ectopic pregnancy. Click here. to find out more about ectopic pregnancies
Ectopic pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancies usually develop on a Fallopian tube. There are not common but are dangerous. If you think you are or might be pregnant while on the POP it is important you see your doctor or nurse. If you have severe lower abdominal pain you should see a doctor urgently even if think you are not pregnant.How do I take the POP?
If you start the pill on the first day of your period then you will be protected
from pregnancy immediately. Speak to a nurse or doctor for advice if you wish
to start the pill at any other time.
Most pills come in foil strips of 28 tablets. It is important to take it at the same time every day and take one every day until the pack is finished. You start a new next strip the next day with no breaks between the strips.
What should I do if a forget to take a POP on time?
If you take your pill more than 3 hours after your chosen time (or more
than 12 hours for Cerazette) then your pill is less likely to work. Click
here to find out what to do.
What to do if you are more than 3 hours late (12hours for Cerazette)
- Take the POP as soon as you remember. If you have missed more than one just take one
- Take your next POP at the usual time even if this means taking two POPs on the same day
- You are at risk of pregnancy until you have been taking your POPs again for 48 hours and you should use additional contraception such as condoms during this time.
What happens if you have sickness or diarrhoea?
What should I do if I have diarrhoea?
If you have severe diarrhoea continue taking your POP but use an extra method of contraception during the time you are unwell and until the diarrhoea has settle for 48 hours.
What should I do if I am sick?
If you vomit within two hours of taking a POP take another as soon as you feel well enough. As long as you are not sick again your contraception will not be affected. Take your next POP at the normal time. If you continue to be sick, seek advice.
Will other medicines affect my pill?
Common antibiotics do not affect your POP but some other medicines can. Click
here to find out more.
Effect of medicines on the POP
Medicines used to treat epilepsy, HIV and TB and the complementary medicine St John’s Wort may make your POP less effective. It is important if you take these medicines to talk to your doctor or nurse. It may be that other forms of contraception would be better for you
Finally
It is important that you are happy with the type of contraception
you choose to use. Doctors and nurses are trained to work with you to find
a method of contraception that suits you. Do not be afraid to discuss any
concerns you may have.