Contraception

Question 1

1. Progesterone Only Pill

Answer 1

KEY POINTS

• The POP is suitable for use by lactating women.1
• The POP may be commenced any time after birth, although no contraception is required within 21 days after birth.
• The POP should be taken at the same time each day.
• A POP taken more than 3 hours late is considered a missed pill. The POP should be recommenced as soon as possible. An alternative method of contraception e.g. condoms or abstinence, should be used for 48 hours (3 consecutive pills). Emergency contraception should be considered if unprotected sex occurs before the 48 hours are completed.
• If a woman vomits within 2 hours of taking the POP it may not be effective and she should be advised to take another one. If the subsequent pill is missed, the woman should use additional contraceptive precautions until 48 hours of pill taking has occurred.
• Severe watery diarrhoea should be managed the same as for missed pills.
• Liver enzyme-inducing drugs including antibiotics, anti-retroviral, anti-epileptic, and some over-the-counter medications may reduce the efficacy of the POP.
• Overweight and obese women do not require higher doses of the POP