Progestogen-only contraceptive pill

The progestogen-only pill contains a hormone called progestogen. The progestogen-only pill thickens the mucus in the cervix, so sperm can’t travel through it. It also changes the lining of the uterus — making it less likely to accept a fertilised egg. It may also prevent an egg being released every month.

There are 3 protgestogen-only pills available in Aotearoa:

1. Noriday
2. Microlut
3. Cerazette

Typically, the progestogen-only pill is 92% effective. That means 8 out of every 100 people taking the pill will get pregnant each year.

The progestogen-only pill can be 99% effective if it’s taken correctly. That means less than 1 out of every 100 people taking the pill will get pregnant each year.

The progestogen only pill needs to be taken around the same time every day.

You must take one pill every day for the progestogen-only pill to work. You’ll be able to get pregnant as soon as you stop taking this pill.

If you are taking Noriday or Microlut:

Take the pill as soon as you remember. If you forgot a pill, and it has been more than 3 hours since the time you usually take it, that counts as a missed pill.

You need to use condoms, or avoid sex, for the next 48 hours. If you have unprotected sex in the 48 hours after a missed pill, you’ll need to use emergency contraception.

If you are taking Cerazette:

Take the pill as soon as you remember. If you forgot a pill and it has been more than 12 hours since the time you usually take it, that counts as a missed pill. You need use condoms, or avoid sex, for the next 48 hours. If you have unprotected sex in the 48 hours after a missed pill, you’ll need to use emergency contraception.

If you vomit (throw up) within 2 hours of taking your pill, that counts as a missed pill.

If you have ongoing diarrhoea (runny poo):

Continue taking the pill. Use condoms, or don’t have sex, for at least 48 hours after the diarrhoea has stopped.

Advantages:

• Simple and easy to take
• Doesn’t interfere with sex
• Doesn’t affect breastfeeding
• You can use it at any age
• You can use it if you can’t take the combined pill 

Disadvantages:

• You have to remember to take one pill every day
• You might have irregular bleeding
• It shouldn't be used if you've had breast cancer

There are very few side effects with taking the progestogen-only pill. 

If you want to start the pill it's really important that you tell your nurse or doctor what you know about:

• Your family’s medical history
• Any health issues you have
• Any medications you're currently taking

The progestogen-only pill comes with minimal risk of blood clots (VTE) — deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

It is common for your period to change on the progestogen-only pill. It may be regular, it may be irregular, or you may have no bleeding at all. If you are worried about your bleeding on the progestogen-only pill — please contact us for advice.

Research shows no link between the progestogen-only pill and cancer.

Don't use the progestogen-only pill if you:

• Have had breast cancer
• Have liver tumours or cirrhosis
• Have heart disease
• Have had a heart attack
• Have had a stroke
• Use some types of medications or herbal remedies — we can explain this in your appointment

Take a pill every day at the same time. Lots of people set an alarm on their phone to help them remember.

If you take the pill at the same time every day, it can be more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Noriday or Microlut must be taken within three hours of the same time every day.

Cerazette must be taken within 12 hours of the same time every day.

One of our nurses will help you work out the best way for you to take the pill. It’s best to decide on one time to take the pill every day. Lots of people set an alarm on their phone to help them remember. 

It is common to have irregular bleeding when first starting on the progestogen-only pill, but this usually gets better over time.

It is best to start the pill during the 5 days since your last period started. This means you will be safe on the pill straight away. If you start later on in your cycle, you should use condoms or avoid sex until you have been taking the pill for 48 hours. We often recommend doing a home pregnancy test about a month after you start taking the pill.

The pill doesn’t protect you from sexually transmissible infections (STIs).  

Condoms, oral dams, and regular STI testing are the best ways to protect yourself from STIs. 

Don’t worry! Call us. We may be able to organise you a repeat script for your contraceptive pill, over the phone. 

You can get pregnant as soon as you stop taking the pill.

If you get pregnant when you’re taking the pill, and you want to continue with your pregnancy, there will be no extra risk to the developing embryo.

The pill must be prescribed for you by a nurse or doctor.

You can get a prescription for progestogen-only pill from us. We can often prescribe some pill repeats over the phone too. 

We can talk to you about different types of contraceptive pills — and help you decide if the progestogen-only pill is the best contraception for you. 

Anyone can visit our clinics. If you want to talk with us, we want to talk to you.

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