The progestogen-only pill can be used by most women.
When to avoid it
You may not be able to use the progestogen-only pill if you have had:
- heart disease
- liver disease
- breast cancer
- cysts on your ovaries
- unexplained vaginal bleeding
- migraines with aura
- an ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilised egg begins to develop outside the womb)
If you are healthy and there are no medical reasons why you should not take the progestogen-only pill, you can take it until your menopause or until you are 55.
Breastfeeding
The progestogen-only pill is safe to use if you are breastfeeding. Small amounts of progestogen may pass into your breast milk, but this is not harmful to your baby. The progestogen-only pill does not affect the way your breast milk is produced.
Pregnancy
Although it is very unlikely, there is a very small chance that you could become pregnant while taking the progestogen-only pill.
If this happens, there is no evidence that the pill will harm your unborn baby. If you think you may be pregnant, speak to your GP or visit your local family planning clinic.
Get medical advice if you have a sudden or unusual pain in your abdomen (tummy), or if your period is much shorter or lighter than usual. It is possible that these symptoms are warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy, although this is rare.
Advantages
Some advantages of the progestogen-only pill include:
- it does not interrupt sex
- you can use it when breastfeeding
- it is useful if you cannot take the hormone oestrogen, found in the combined pill, contraceptive patch and vaginal ring
- you can use it at any age: even if you smoke and are over 35
- it can reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and painful periods
Disadvantages
Some disadvantages of the progestogen-only pill include:
- It can cause temporary side effects at first, such as headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood swings. If these do not go after a few months, it may help to change to a different pill.
- You may not have regular periods while taking it. Your periods may be lighter, more frequent or may stop altogether.
- It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections.
- You need to remember to take it at the same time every day.
