What’s New

Information on the dospirenone progestogen only pill, which is not yet launched on the UK market but is anticipated soon The pack contains 24 active pills with 4mg drospirenone and 4 placebo pills. There is a 24-hour window following scheduled active pill taking without loss of contraceptive effectiveness. It takes 7 days to become effective. The 7 day rule applies for all days after day 1 of the cycle .

Updated advice on breast cancer risk

Introduction

The progestogen-only pill (POP) is suitable for women of childbearing age who wish low dose oral hormonal contraception or who have contraindications to the use of oestrogens.

The primary mode of action of most progestogen only pills is to alter the cervical mucus making it inhospitable to sperm. There is also an effect on ovulation with anovulatory cycles reported in many women.

Prevention of ovulation is the primary mode of action of desogestrel (DSG) and drospirenone (DRSP) progestogen-only pills.

This guideline will use the terms ‘woman’ , ‘she’ or ‘herself’ in accordance with the Women’s Health Plan Scotland, and will encompass all those who identify as women who require access to women’s health and reproductive services. For example, some transgender men, non-binary people, and intersex people or people with variations in sex characteristics may also experience menstrual cycles, pregnancy, endometriosis and the menopause. All healthcare services should be respectful and responsive to individual needs.