Contents
Introduction
- Generally used when COC is contra-indicated
- Not as effective as COC, although still >99% effective
- Often used in those on COC before / during / after surgery
Summary
CONTRACEPTION | PROGESTERGONE ONLY PILL |
EFFECTIVENESS | 99% effective when used correctly |
PREPERATIONS | Cerazette, Mini Pill |
HOW IT WORKS | Thickens cervical mucus, thins lining of womb, Higher dose pop ie. cerazette also inhibits ovulation |
ADVANTAGES | Can be taken in those with CI to COC ie. breastfeeding, older women, cardiovascular risk, DM >35yrs who smoke normal fertility resumed immediately |
DISADVANTAGES | Dysfunctional bleeding ie. irregualar, IMB. In many cases, bleeding is reduced or event absent Breast tenderness, acne, weight change, headaches Small inc ectopic pregnancy Increased risk of ovarian cysts |
CI | Previous cysts or ectopic – may have slight inc risk ectopic if get pregnant |
COMMENTS | Take continuously for 28days at same time. Mini Pill – If miss pill >3hrs must take barrier contraception for 7d Cerazette – allows 12 hour window Advantages over POP
|
Mechanism
- Thickens cervical mucus
- Alters lining of the uterus, making it difficult for implantation to take place
- Some (Cerazette) also prevent ovulation – this probably means cerazette is more effective than other POP’s but there is no conclusive evidence yet
Side effects
- Far fewer serious side effects than COC
- Periods may be irregular / light / may stop completely. In some cases, they can become more heavy
- Temporary side effects in first few months of treatment:
- Breast tenderness, acne, weight change, headaches
- Ovarian cysts – small risk, may cause pelvic pain, but usually resolve spontaneously.
- Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy – in the unlikely event of pregnancy occurring
Advantages of POP over COC
- Can use when breast feeding
- Useful when COC is contra-indicated – and POP has far fewer contraindications
- Can be used at any age:
- Particularly useful in smokers over 35, in which COC is CI’d
- Can reduce premenstrual symptoms and painful periods
Prescribing
Starting treatment
Start on the first day of the cycle. If started within the first 5 days, protection is immediate
If started after day 5, use condoms or another contraception for 2 days
- Those with a short menstrual cycle (<23 days) may not be protect if they start on day 4 or 5, as ovulation may occur early. Advise condoms for 2 days after commencing POP
After miscarriage / abortion
- If <24 weeks, start straight away
- If >24 weeks seek advice
After Pregnancy
Does not interfere with lactation, or increase the risk of thromboembolic event, and thus can be start straight after pregnancy
A small amount of progesterone does enter the breast milk, but this does not cause any adverse effects in the child
If started after 21 days after birth, use an additional method of contraception for 2 days
Missed pills
Take the missed pill and the next pill s soon as you remember. If the missed pill was >3 hours late (12 hours for cerazette), then you are not protected, and condoms should be used for 2 days.
- Emergency contraception is recommended if unprotected sex has occurred during this two day window
Vomiting and diarrhoea
- If this occurs within two hours of taking the pill, use condoms or another method of contraception for 2 days after
Interactions
- Additional contraception (e.g. condoms) should be used during treatment with the enzyme inducing drug, and for 4 weeks after
