The progestogen-only pill is generally well tolerated and side effects are rare. It will not affect your ability to drive or react with any food or alcohol that you consume.
However, you may experience irregular menstrual bleeding, such as:
- periods that are heavier than usual
- a missed period
- breakthrough bleeding and spotting
Some of the other possible side effects of the progestogen-only pill are:
- acne
- breast tenderness and breast enlargement
- an increased or decreased libido (sex drive)
- mood changes
- headache and migraine
- nausea or vomiting
- cysts (small fluid-filled sacs) on your ovaries (these are usually harmless and disappear without treatment)
- stomach upset
- weight gain
These side effects are most likely to occur during the early months of taking the progestogen-only pill, but they generally improve over time and should stop within a few months.
If you have any concerns about your contraceptive pill, see your doctor or nurse. They may advise you to change to another pill or a different form of contraception.
