The Progestogen pill represents the main alternative for those unable to take the combined pill course. Known more simply as the “mini pill,” it contains only the progestogen hormone and helps to prevent pregnancy through the thickening of mucus in the female cervix.
This effectively blocks the entry of sperm into the womb. The pill also works by thinning the lining of the uterus which can prevent eggs from becoming implanted there. In some cases this can in turn stop ovulation all together.
How do I use The Progestogen only Pill (POP)?
The Progestogen only pill must be taken on a daily basis. Furthermore, the pill must be administered within the same three hour period of each day, although the Cerazette brand of pill allows you to take it anytime within an extended twelve hour period.
It is recommended to begin taking the pill from the first day of your next period. If this is done so, the pill should work immediately. However, taking the pill on any other day will result in a two day delay before it begins to work. Additionally new mothers can immediately benefit from the effects of the pill if they take it within twenty one days of the birth.
Unlike the combined pill there are no seven day breaks and for the pill to work effectively you must continue to take it until the time you view fit to come off of birth control.
Can I use The Progestogen only Pill (POP)?
Doctors and GPs will advise those who are unable to use the combined pill to look the Progestogen only pill as a viable alternative. These groups include smokers, those over the age of thirty five, those with high blood pressure or migraine sufferers and women breast feeding. However, a history of any illness must be disclosed, as those who have suffered from breast cancer, hepatitis or are on a course of medication are advised against taking the pill.
The Positives of The Progestogen only Pill (POP)
The Progestogen pill offers a 98 to 99% level of effectiveness when used correctly. Like users of the combined pill, Progestogen only pill users can experience relief from conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and generally painful periods. 20 % of women also suffer no bleeding during use of the pill. Unlike combined pill users the risks of complications are also reduced.
Furthermore, women breast feeding do not face the risk of feeding their baby with contaminated breast milk on the Progestogen pill while smokers and women over thirty five are able to use this form of contraception without posing any risk to their overall health and more importantly preventing any unwanted pregnancy issues.
The use of the Progestogen only pill does not disrupt the spontaneity of the sexual experience.
The Negatives of The Progestogen only Pill (POP)
The progestogen only pill has been known to have a couple of side effects. Users have reported experiencing mood swings, tenderness or pain in the breasts and an increase in acne and other skin complaints. As with the combined pill, a small minority also report suffering from a loss of libido or sex drive.
Periods have been known to become affected with around 40% of women experiencing irregular bleeding. However in some instances this may be due to an unrelated infection and a doctor should always be consulted.
In instances of vomiting and diarrhea, the pill will lose its effectiveness. In these situations an additional form of contraception will be required throughout the period of illness and then for a further seven days following.
The pill has to be taken within the same three hour period each day. Failure to do so will result in the loss of the pills contraceptive effects and additional protection will be required. This protection will need to be used for a further two days before you are able to return to the course of pills.
If you are overly concerned about missing this three hour window, Cerazette offers users a daily window of up to twelve hours for use of the pill and may be a better fit for the more absent minded user.
As with the combined pill, some medications can affect the reliability of this contraceptive method and should be disclosed to a doctor before any prescriptions are made. The progestogen pill offers users no protection against sexually transmitted diseases and infections.