THE PROGESTOGEN

-ONLY PILL

PROS

Easy to use expand_less

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

Effective expand_more

Is 91% effective at preventing pregnancy with typical use.

Periodsexpand_more

Periods can be more regular and lighter for some women.

Reversible expand_more

Upon discontinuation of use, fertility should return to normal.

Oestrogen freeexpand_more

Does not contain oestrogen but does contain progesterone.

Doesn’t interrupt sexexpand_more

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

Breastfeedingexpand_more

Can be used when breastfeeding.

Administrationexpand_more

Self-administered.

CONS

User dependentexpand_less

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.

Periodsexpand_more

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

Short-actingexpand_more

You need to take the pill every day.

Contains hormoneexpand_more

Some women prefer hormone free options.

STIs expand_more

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

Weight gainexpand_more

It may cause weight gain.

Breast tendernessexpand_more

It may cause breast tenderness.

Moodexpand_more

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

WILL THE PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL AFFECT MY PERIODS?expand_less

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?expand_more

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

CAN THE PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL CAUSE MOOD SWINGS?expand_more

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

DOES THE PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL CAUSE ACNE?expand_more

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

OTHER COMMON SIDE EFFECTSexpand_more
• Breast tenderness and breast enlargement
• An increased or decreased sex drive (libido)
• Headache and migraine
• Nausea or vomiting
RISKSexpand_more
• 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.