Progestogen-only Contraceptive Pill (Mini-pill)

Section

Pill Review

How the pill works

The “traditional” progestogen-only pill (POP) prevents pregnancy by thickening the mucus in the cervix to stop sperm reaching an egg.

The desogestrel progestogen-only pill can also stop ovulation.

The pill is over 99% effective if used correctly.

Long Acting Reversible methods of contraception, such as the Mirena and implant, are better at preventing pregnancy. Would you be interested in these methods? We can fit these in the surgery, or you can go to iCash in Norwich: *
Are you using the progestogen-only pill now? *

Cervical Screening

Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.

Benefits and risks of taking the pill

The progestogen-only pill is very safe, but there are certain risks:

Ovarian cysts

Some patients can develop fluid-filled cysts on their ovaries. These aren’t dangerous and don’t usually need to be removed. The cysts usually disappear without treatment. In many cases, the cysts don’t cause symptoms, although some patients experience pelvic pain.

Breast cancer

Research is continuing into the link between breast cancer and the progestogen-only pill. There isn’t enough evidence to say for certain that the progestogen-only pill doesn’t increase the risk of breast cancer. But if there is any increased risk, it’s likely to be very small and disappear with time after you stop taking the progestogen-only pill. Doctors don’t think using the progestogen-only pill is likely to increase the risk in patients who have close relatives who have had breast cancer.

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Sexually-transmitted infections

The pill does not protect against sexually-transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

You should get checked for sexually-transmitted infections through iCash if you have not been checked since the start of your most recent relationship.

Your health

Have you been diagnosed with any new medical conditions since your last pill check? *
Have you started any new medication since your last pill check? *
Are you sure that you take your contraceptive pill correctly? *
Are you regularly using medication that is not prescribed, such as St John’s Wort? *
Have you ever been diagnosed with a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE)? *
Please specify: *
Have you been diagnosed with a medical condition that makes your blood more likely to clot? *
Do you have a diagnosis of High Blood Pressure? *
Have you been diagnosis with High Blood Pressure during pregnancy? *
Do you know what to do if you miss a pill, or if you have vomiting or severe diarrhoea after taking your pill? *
You can find advice by visiting: What should I do if I miss a pill?

We advise that you contact SmokeFree Norfolk for help quitting.

Advice

You should complete a pill check every year using this form.

What happens next?

Please specify: *

What happens next?