Contraceptive pill – Progestogen only

Contraceptive pills

Samedaydoctor doctors and nurse practitioners at all clinics can prescribe contraceptive pills, both those referred to as ‘combined’ pills, which contain oestrogen and progestogen, and those referred to as ‘Progestogen-only’ pills, which just contain progestogen. Progestogen only pills can be divided into low dose ‘mini’ pills or higher dose progestogen only pills.

The progestogen-only ‘mini’-pill

Is suitable for most women who would like to use a pill but cannot use the more well-known combined pill due to health problems or side effects. It has the advantages of no known health risk and fewer side effects than the combined pill. Most women have regular and predictable periods but there is a small risk of irregular bleeding. It is not as reliable as some other methods but still a good option and you can use condoms as well. You do have to remember to take it every day continually wiht no breaks and within 3 hours of the same time each day.

The higher dose progestogen-only pill

Is suitable for most women who would like to use a pill but cannot use the more well-known combined pill due to health problems or side effects. It has the advantages of minimal known health risks and fewer side effects than the combined pill. It has the advantage over the ‘mini’ pill of being very reliable. The disadvantage is that irregular bleeding is common to begin with, on average for about 3 months, but after that the majority of women have no periods at all or very occasional light bleeding only. You do have to remember to take it every day continually with no breaks, but have a 12 hour lee-way. Rarely hormonal side effects such as breast tenderness or mood swings can occur.

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