Progestogen-only contraceptive pills

Over 4 million sexually active women use on an oral contraceptive pill to avoid unwanted pregnancy. With an almost 100% success rate in stopping conception and the additional sexual health benefits, such as lighter and shorter periods, reduced period pain and improved skin quality, ‘the pill’ remains one of the most popular forms of contraception. Women who are breastfeeding, over 35 years of age, or sensitive to the synthetic oestrogen used in combination oral contraceptives (COCs) are better suited to progestogen-only pills (POP).

Also called the mini-pill, progestogen-only pills are oestrogen-free oral contraceptive pills. The progestogen-only pill has fewer unwanted side effects than combination pills. A disadvantage of progestogen-only pills is that they are less effective, and have been reported to cause irregular menstruation. Popular brands of progestogen-only pills include, Cerazette, Femulen, Micronor, Norgeston and Noriday. You can place an order for oral contraception today at 121doc.

How do progestogen-only pills work?

Progestogen-only pills act in several ways to prevent pregnancy:

• Thickening the secretions around the neck of the womb, which makes it highly unlikely that sperm will get through
• Thinning the lining of the womb to inhibit the implantation of an embryo
• Preventing the release of an egg. Cerazette is an example of one pill that works in this way.

There are situations where the effectiveness of progestogen-only pills will not provide women with full protection against pregnancy. Spells of diarrhoea or vomiting can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the mini pill.

Who can use progestogen-only pills?

Progestogen-only pills are seen as a sensible choice of contraception for certain groups of women, especially those who are not advised to use combined oral contraceptives. They are more suited to women who are breastfeeding, over 35 years of age, smokers, and those who are sensitive to oestrogen containing pills.

Progestogen-only pills should not be used by women who are affected by the following conditions:

• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
• Severe artery disease
• Liver tumours
• Porphyria
• A history of breast cancer (with certain exceptions)

Are progestogen-only pills easy to take?

Progestogen-only pills come in 28-day packs, and unlike the combined pill (COC) all the tablets within a blister pack contain the same level of progestogen. For full protection against pregnancy a tablet must be taken at the same time every day. Missing one or more doses of your pill may not provide you with round-the-clock protection. Always read the patient leaflet before you start taking the pill.

Can I order progestogen-only pills online?

Online clinics have revolutionised the way people obtain medication to overcome common health concerns. Ordering a course of progestogen-only pills is no different; you can place a discreet order at 121doc for your chosen oral contraceptive and, on a doctor’s approval, receive your medication within 24 hours. There’s no doctor’s appointment or prescription necessary; if your order is approved your contraception will be delivered to your address via the 121doc partner courier service.