The progestogen-only pill
It contains the hormone progestogen but doesn't contain oestrogen.
You need to take the progestogen-only pill at or around the same time every day.
The progestogen-only pill thickens the mucus in the cervix, which stops sperm reaching an egg. In can also stop ovulation, depending on the type of progestogen-only pill you take.
At a glance: facts about the progestogen-only pill
- If taken correctly, it can be more than 99% effective. This means that fewer than one woman in 100 who use the progestogen-only pill as contraception will get pregnant in one year.
- You take a pill every day, with no break between packs of pills.
- The progestogen-only pill can be used by women who can't use contraception that contains oestrogen, for example because they have high blood pressure, previous blood clots or are overweight.
- You can take the progestogen-only pill if you're over 35 and you smoke.
- You must take the progestogen-only pill at the same time each day – if you take it more than three hours late (or 12 hours late if you take Cerazette) it may not be effective.
- If you’re sick (vomit) or have severe diarrhoea, the progestogen-only pill may not work.
- Some medicines may affect the progestogen-only pill's effectiveness – ask your doctor for details.
- Your periods may stop or become lighter, irregular or more frequent.
- Side effects may include spotty skin and breast tenderness – these should clear up within a few months.
- The progestogen-only pill doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). By using condoms as well as the progestogen-only pill you'll help to protect yourself against STIs.
Advantages and disadvantages
Some advantages of the progestogen-only pill include:
The progestogen-only pill is generally well tolerated and side effects are rare. Some side effects can include:
If you have any concerns about your contraceptive pill, see your GP or practice nurse. They may advise you to change to another pill or a different form of contraception.
Some advantages of the progestogen-only pill include:
- it does not interrupt sex
- you can use it when breastfeeding
- it is useful if you cannot take the hormone oestrogen, which is in the combined pill, contraceptive patch and vaginal ring
- you can use it at any age – even if you smoke and are over 35
- it can reduce the symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and painful periods
- you may not have regular periods while taking it – your periods may be lighter, more frequent or may stop altogether, and you may get spotting between periods
- it does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- you need to remember to take it at or around the same time every day
- some medications, including certain types of antibiotic, can make it less effective
The progestogen-only pill is generally well tolerated and side effects are rare. Some side effects can include:
- acne
- breast tenderness and breast enlargement
- an increased or decreased libido (sex drive)
- mood changes
- headache and migraine
- nausea or vomiting
- cysts (small fluid-filled sacs) on your ovaries (these are usually harmless and disappear without treatment)
- stomach upset
- weight gain
If you have any concerns about your contraceptive pill, see your GP or practice nurse. They may advise you to change to another pill or a different form of contraception.
For more information visit: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/contraception-guide/Pages/contraception.aspx