Progestogen
only pill (pop)
The
contraceptive pill
There
are two main types of pill, the combined pill and the progestogen-only
pill. This leaflet will explain the progestogen-only pill in detail.
What
is the progestogen-only pill? (POP)
The
POP contains a single hormone, progestogen, which is similar to the
natural progesterone women produce in their ovaries.
How
effective is the POP?
The
contraceptive pill is a reliable method of family planning if used
correctly. Tests show that for every 100 women who takes this kind of pill
carefully, only one or two will get pregnant in a year.
How
does the pill works?
The
POP helps to thicken the mucus from the cervix and so prevents sperm from
meeting an egg. It sometimes prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg.
It also makes the lining of your womb thinner so that it is less likely to
accept a fertilized egg.
What
are the advantages of POP?
-
It
does not interfere with intercourse
-
You
can use it if you are breast feeding
-
It is useful if you cannot take oestrogen like that in the
combined pill
-
You
can use it at any age, but especially useful if you are over 35 and
you smoke, or you are at risk
of
heart disease or stroke and so cannot use the combined pill
What
are the disadvantages of POP?
-
Your
period may become irregular or even stop
-
You
may get temporary side effects such as acne or breast tenderness
-
Some women may develop small fluid filled cysts on the ovaries.
These are harmless but are occasionally painful
-
There
is a risk of developing pregnancy outside the womb, but this is rare
-
It
does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases
What
are the side effects?
You
may experience one or more of the following:
Try
to tolerate these side effects for the first 3 months, as they do not
normally continue. If you cannot, or if they persist, see you nurse or
doctor.
Can
anyone use the POP?
Not
every one can use the POP. It is not suitable for women who:
It
is important to have regular check ups to make sure that you are fit.
How
do I take the POP?
The
pill is taken every day at exactly the same time. Each packet contains 28
or 35 hormonal pills depending on the type of pill chosen.
-
Take
the first pill of the first packet on the first day of your period
-
If
the pill are labeled with the days of the week, that is, if your
period starts on a Tuesday take a Tuesday pill
-
Swallow
one pill every day, always at the same time. Choose a time that is
most convenient for you
-
When
you finish the first packet, start a new packet straight away the same
day. There are no iron pills to be taken and there is no pill free
week
-
You’ll
be taking pills through your periods and, there must be no breaks
between packs
-
Use
another contraceptive method for the first seven days of the first
packet. You are not protected against unwanted pregnancy during this
time. This is only for the first packet
What
do I do if I miss a pill?
If
you miss a pill take it as soon as you remember. If it is more than hours
late, use and additional method such as condoms or diaphragm for 7 days.
Continue to take your pill as normal.
What
if I am taking other medicines?
Several
medicines can reduce the effect on the POP. These include medicines used to treat
epilepsy, tuberculosis and mental illnesses. As these drugs often need to
be taken for a long time, it may be best to ask your doctor or FP nurse to
help you choose another method. Most common antibiotics do not reduce the
effects of this kind of contraceptive pill. You will have to use another
additional method such as condom, while taking some medicines and for 7
days after you finish. Always mention to your doctor that you are using
contraceptive pills. Should a medicine be prescribed, inform your family
planning nurses.
If
I have a stomach upset, should I continue taking the pill?
If
you have a vomiting or diarrhea the pill may not be absorbed into the
body. Continue taking your pill but use an additional method, such as
condom during the stomach upset and for 7 days after you get well.
Important
Very
rarely certain conditions develop, that means that you should not
continue taking the pills. See your FP nurse or doctor at once if you
experience any of these;
-
Breathlessness
or coughing with blood
-
A
bad fainting attack or collapse
-
Unusual
headaches
-
Difficulty
with speech or eyesight
-
Numbness
or weakness of limbs
-
Jaundice
(yellow eyes and/ or skin)
-
Sudden
pain in your lower abdomen and your period is light or late
What
if I want to have a baby?
If
you want to have a baby it is best that you have two natural periods
before you try to get pregnant. You will need to use condoms during this
time. Once you have had two natural periods it is easier to work out when
the baby is due.
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