Meta Description: Are you thinking of using progestin-only contraceptive pills but do not know about their safety, efficacy and side effects they can have? Please read our article to learn more about the progestin-only pill, also called the mini pill.
The progestin-only
pill (POP), also called the mini
pill, is an effective form of contraception opted by many
women in the U.K.
A mini pill is a form of hormonal
contraception which contains a synthetic version of the progesterone hormone.
However, it does not contain any estrogen like other contraceptive pills,
that's why it is named as the progesterone
or progestin-only pill.
Let's look at the different types of POPs,
their efficacy, their side effects, and which POP brands are available in the
U.K.
The progestin-only pill thickens the cervical
mucus, prevents the sperms from reaching the egg, and makes it hard for a
fertilized egg to attach to the womb lining. In this way, the contraception is
achieved.
Some POPs containing desogestrel, like
Cerazette®, also prevent ovulation (egg release by the ovary).
To take the progestogen-only pill correctly,
you have two options:
- The
3-hour pill (Older Pills):
Take it within 3 hours of the same time each day.
- The 12-hour pill (Newer Pills): Take it within 12 hours of the same time each
day.
Each pack has 28 pills. Take one pill every
day, either within 3 or 12 hours of the same time, depending on your mini-pill type.
Start the first pack at a convenient time in
your day, then take one pill at the same time each day until you finish the
pack.
Begin the next pack the following day without
a break between packs.
You can start the mini pill at any time during your menstrual cycle.
If you start it during days 1 to 5 of your
period, it works right away, and you won't need extra contraception.
If you start the pill on any other day of your
cycle, you'll need extra contraception for two days after starting the pill.
According to the 2022 guidelines provided by the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare,
if you miss the mini
pill:
- Firstly, take the missed pill as soon as you
remember it.
- Then, please take the next pill on time (It
may mean taking two pills in a day).
- Consider using extra protection (condoms)
while having intercourse. Use protection for the next two days after taking the
missed pill.
- Contact
your doctor and consider emergency contraception as well.
P.S.: Emergency contraception is needed only
if you had unprotected sex when your mini pill was missed.
According to the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, progestin-only contraceptive pills are 99% effective when used ideally.
However, there's a 9% chance of getting
pregnant with conventional or older mini
pills.
The progesterone-like hormone in older mini
pills is levonorgestrel or norethisterone as the progestogen hormone. Such pill
brands currently available in the U.K. are:
- Noriday®
- Norgeston®
Newer mini-pills contain desogestrel as their
progestogen component. Such pill brands in the U.K. are:
- Cerazette®
- Aizea®
- Cerelle®
- Feanolla®
Like any other
drug, progestin-only pills also come with specific side effects. These include:
- Irregular bleeding
- Acne
- Headaches
- Irritable mood
- Sore breasts
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Vaginal discharge
- Reduced libido
Older mini pills were not popular because of their lower efficacy and side effects. However, newer desogestrel pills provide efficacious contraception without serious side effects. These are a good option for those who do not want to rely on physical barrier methods of contraception.
SEO titles: Progestin-only Pill, mini pill, progestin-only contraceptive pills
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