Progestogen Only Pill
Protect Yourself
The progestogen only pill is a small tablet containing the hormone progestogen.
You take these pills according to the Doctors or Health Advisors' instructions.
Progestogen makes the mucus around the cervix thicker, which makes it difficult for sperm to get into the womb. It can also make it difficult for an egg which has been fertilised to implant in the womb. In some women it stops ovulation (the release of an egg).
The progestogen only pill is 99% effective when used correctly.
Remember...
- No STI protection
- Only barrier contraception, such as condoms, prevent STIs from being passed on
- Any sexual contact without a condom may pass on STIs
Watch out for
Some things make the pill less effective - that means it doesn't work properly!
- Not taking it properly.
- Taking it more than 3 hours late (or 12 hours if you're taking Cerazette)
- Vomiting within two hours of taking it
- Very severe diarrhoea
- Some prescription and complementary medicines (such as St John's Wort)
Pros
- Prevents pregnancy
- Can be taken by some women who cannot use the combined pill
- Can be used when breastfeeding
Cons
- Does not protect against STIs
- Periods may be irregular
Remember...
No STI protection
Only barrier contraception, such as condoms, prevent STIs from being passed on.
Any sexual contact without a condom may pass on STIs.
Watch out for
Some things make the pill less effective. That means it doesn't work properly!
-- Not taking it properly.
-- Taking it more than 24 hours late
-- Vomiting within two hours of taking the pill
-- Very severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours.
-- Some prescription and complementary medicines (like St John's Wort).
Pros
- Prevents pregnancy
- Protects against cancer of the ovary and womb
- Bleeding may be lighter and period pain or Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)/Pre-Menstrual Tension (PMT) is less likely
Cons
- Does not protect against STIs
- In a small number of women it can cause serious side effects such as blood clots and cancer of the breast or cervix
Combined Pill
Protect Yourself
The combined pill is a small tablet containing two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen.
You take these pills according to the doctors or health advisors instructions.
The combined pill stops ovulation, which means the woman does not release an egg for fertilisation. It also thickens the mucus around the cervix making it difficult for sperm to get into the womb.
The combined pill is 99% effective when used correctly.
