Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List
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Who can use it? of Progestogen-only pill
Not all women can take the progestogen-only pill. If you want to start taking the progestogen-only pill the doctor or nurse you see will ask you about your own and your family's medical history. It’s very important to tell the doctor or nurse about any operations or conditions you’ve had, as this might affect whether the progestogen-only pill is safe for you to use.
The progestogen-only pill isn’t suitable for you to take if:
- you think you might already be pregnant;
- you don’t want any changes to your periods; or
- you weigh more than 70 kg (11 stone), because this can make it less effective.
You also shouldn't use the progestogen-only pill if you have now, or have had in the past:
- a heart attack or stroke (severe arterial disease);
- an active disease of the liver or gall bladder;
- breast cancer;
- unexplained bleeding from your vagina (for example, between periods or after sex);
- a history of ovarian cysts; or
- an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb).
