Progesterone only pill

Progesterone only pill

This pill has to be prescribed for you from either your own family doctor or The Family Planning Clinic.
This contains one female hormone, and if taken correctly is a very effective method of preventing pregnancy.

If you take your first ever pill on the first day of your period it is effective straightaway.

These pills come in packs of 28 pills in a calendar pack. One pill should be taken every day without a break.
You should aim to take your pill at the same time each day. If you are more than three hours late you should use condoms as well for the next two days.

There is now a newer Progesterone only pill (Cezarette) which gives you 12 hours to remember to take it. Please check with your doctor or nurse who will advise you when you start to use your pills.

If you weigh over 70kg this type of pill may not be suitable for you. If your weight has increased since your last visit, please make an appointment with your doctor or nurse.
If you are sick within two hours of taking your pill, it might be less effective.
The way this pill works is by thickening the mucous around your cervix making it impenetrable to sperm. It makes the lining of your womb thinner, so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg. In some cases it will stop your body producing an egg each month.

The progesterone only pill will give you no protection against sexually transmitted infections, we therefore recommend the use of condoms as well. (Double Dutch).

Advantages of progesterone only pill

• the progesterone only pill is a very effective method of contraception when taken correctly.
• it can be used when you are breastfeeding.
• if because of your medical history you are unable to take the combined pill, this is a very good alternative.
• you can take it at any age, but is especially useful for those women over the age of 35 years who smoke.
• may help with pre menstrual tension or painful periods.

Disadvantages of progesterone only pill

• you may not have regular periods while you are taking this pill, your periods might even stop altogether.
• when you first start taking the pills you may experience headaches, spotty skin, breast tenderness or weight gain. These temporary side effects gradually subside over the first two to three packs of pills. If they do not, please speak to your doctor of Family Planning Nurse.