Progesterone only pill

What is it? This pill only contains the hormone progestogen and works by making the lining of the womb thinner to prevent it accepting a fertilised egg. It also works by thickening the cervical mucus, which acts as a barrier to stop sperm entering the womb.

Advantages:
• May reduce pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and period pain 
• Does not interfere with the spontaneity of sex 
• Normal levels of fertility will return once the pill is stopped 
• Effective for women who cannot take the combined pill – women who are breastfeeding, smokers and women over 35

Considerations:

• May cause irregular bleeding and may stop periods altogether 
• Vomiting and diarrhoea can affect reliability
• Possible side effects include headaches 
• Requires discipline – it must be taken at the same time every day 
• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections

Available from: By prescription from a medical professional including your GP, local family planning clinic or specialist clinic such as Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices

Effectiveness: When used correctly it is over 98% effective