THE PROGESTOGEN

-ONLY PILL

PROS

Easy to use

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For most women, it is easy to start and stop the pill.

Effective

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Is 91% effective at preventing pregnancy with typical use.

Periods

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Periods can be more regular and lighter for some women.

Reversible

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Upon discontinuation of use, fertility should return to normal.

Oestrogen free

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Does not contain oestrogen but does contain progesterone.

Doesn’t interrupt sex

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By correctly taking your pill you don't need to worry about contraception in the moment.

Breastfeeding

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Can be used when breastfeeding.

Administration

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Self-administered.

CONS

User dependent

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It can be difficult to remember to take the pill. Missing or not taking your pill on time can make it less effective or fail. Vomiting and diarrhoea can also make the pill less effective.

Periods

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Periods may happen more often, less often, be lighter, more irregular or stop altogether. You may also get spotting in between periods.

Short-acting

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You need to take the pill every day.

Contains hormone

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Some women prefer hormone free options.

STIs

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Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Weight gain

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It may cause weight gain.

Breast tenderness

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It may cause breast tenderness.

Mood

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Some women experience mood changes, including mood swings, depression, or depressed mood.

WILL THE PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL AFFECT MY PERIODS?

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Periods may happen more often, less often, be lighter, more irregular or stop altogether. You may also get spotting in between periods.

CAN THE PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN?

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The progestogen-only pill can cause weight gain in some women.

CAN THE PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL CAUSE MOOD SWINGS?

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Some women experience mood changes whilst taking the progestogen-only pill.

DOES THE PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL CAUSE ACNE?

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The progestogen-only pill can cause acne in some women.

OTHER COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
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• Breast tenderness and breast enlargement
• An increased or decreased sex drive (libido)
• Headache and migraine
• Nausea or vomiting
RISKS
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• Ovarian cysts
  - Can cause small fluid-filled cysts on your ovaries – these don’t usually cause any symptoms and tend to go away on their own.