Progestogen Only Pill: Advantages/Disadvantages

Question 1

What are some advantages of the POP?

Answer 1

• Highly effective (failure rate = 1 per 100 woman years)
• Doesn’t interfere with sex
• Contraceptive effects reversible upon stopping
• Can be used whilst breast-feeding
• Can be used in situations where the COCP is contraindicated e.g. in smokers > 35 years of age and women with a history of venous thromboembolic disease

Question 2

What are some disadvantages of the POP?

Answer 2

• Irregular periods: some users may not have periods whilst others may have irregular or light periods. This is the most common adverse effect
• Doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections
• Increased incidence of functional ovarian cysts
• Common side-effects include breast tenderness, weight gain, acne and headaches. These symptoms generally subside after the first few months