How effective is it?
It is as effective as combined pills –i.e 99%+ when taken correctly and extra precautions taken if taken late or there is a possibility of it not being absorbed fully for example an upset stomach.
How does it work?
It stops ovulation.
How do I take it?
Take the first pill on the first day of your period and then one every day until you finish the pack. The following day start directly into another pack –do not take a break.
Who is it suitable for?
It is suitable for most women but is particularly recommended for women who want to take a contraceptive pill but who should not take oestrogen for medical reasons and therefore cannot take the combined pill. This may be especially useful for smokers over age 35, women who get severe migraines and women with diabetes or hypertension.
What if I forget to take a pill?
It depends how late you are in taking your pill. If you are less than 12 hours late, don’t worry. Just take the delayed pill straightaway and further pills as usual.
If you are more than 12 hours late taking your pill, take the most recently missed pill immediately. Leave any earlier missed pills in your pack. Take your further pills as usual. Use extra precaution (condom, for instance) for the next 7 days. If intercourse has taken place since missing the pill you may need to take emergency contraception.
How effective is it?
When used very carefully, it is 95 -99% effective. It is more effective in older women (30+) and women who are breastfeeding, as both are generally less fertile.
How does it work?
It thickens the mucus at the cervix (entrance to the womb), making it hard for the sperm to travel through. It also alters the lining of the womb to prevent implantation of an egg. Very occasionally it can stop ovulation (the release of an egg each month).
How do I take it?
Take the first pill on the first day of your period and then one every day until you finish the pack. The following day start directly into another pack –do not take a break.
For the norethisterone pill to be effective you must take it at the same time every day. Find a time which suits you and make a habit of taking your pill then. The pill is at its maximum effectiveness a few hours after it is taken so for many women early in the evening may be a good time.
What if I forget to take a pill?
It depends how late you are in taking your pill. If you are less than 3 hours late, don’t worry. Just take the delayed pill now and further pills as usual.
If you are more than 3 hours late taking your pill, take the most recently missed pill immediately. Leave any earlier missed pills in your pack. Take your further pills as usual. Use extra precaution (condom, for instance) for the next 2 days (48 hours) or 7 days for women under 30 years. If intercourse has taken place since missing the pill you may need to take emergency contraception.
If you take your first pill on the first day of your period, you are protected immediately. If you start later in your cycle you may not be covered for contraception. Consult the instruction leaflet but if you are still unsure, then contact your doctor.
Most women will experience some side effects when they start taking the pill. Common side effects include headaches, breast tenderness, mood swings, bloating, nausea and leg cramps. Decreased sex drive and acne can also occur.
Irregular periods are very common and periods may stop completely. This only happens when taking the pill –periods will restart usually within three months of stopping the pill.
If you vomit or have diarrhoea, you may not be protected. Continue taking your pills as usual and use another form of contraception until 7 days after the vomiting / diarrhoea has stopped. Certain medication interferes with the progestogen -only pills. If you are taking any medication, check with us at the Well Woman Centre, or with your family doctor.
This is a common effect of progestogen -only pills. Make a note of any changes so that you can discuss them with a doctor or nurse. If you have taken all your pills correctly, but you miss a period, it is unlikely that you are pregnant. Continue as normal, but if your period is more than two weeks late, consult us at the Well Woman Centre.
If you have any sudden lower stomach pain as well as a light or delayed period, see your doctor immediately.
Yes. Your second visit will be about 3 months after starting the pill, and then every 6 months after that.
