Progestogen-only pill
How reliable is it?
- With carefull use 1 women in 100 will get pregnant in a year.
- With less careful use 4 or more women in a year will get pregnant.
How it works
- The hormone progestogen taken at the same time each day, causes changes making it difficult for sperm to enter the womb or for the womb to eccept a fertilised egg. in some women in prevents ovulation
Advantages
- Useful for older women who smoke and women who cannot use the combined pill.
- Can be used when breastfeeding.
Disadvantages
- May be temporary minor side-effects
- Periods may be irregular, with some bleeding in between or be missed.
- Maybe less effective in women who weight over 70kg (11stone).
Comments
- Not reliable if taken over 3hours late or after vomiting or severe diarrhoea, unless an extra method is used
- Some drugs stop the pill working - a doctor or pharmacist can advise.