Disadvantages of Progestogen-only pill

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The progestogen-only pill can cause periods to change â€“ they may become more frequent, lighter or irregular (different amounts of time between each one). This isnâ€™t dangerous, and it normally settles down, but it can be annoying and make you worry that you are pregnant. Changes to your periods are likely to happen even if youâ€™ve always had regular periods in the past. See your GP or nurse if youâ€™re concerned, as you may need to change to a different pill.

Hormonal contraceptives such as the progestogen-only pill may also cause short-term side-effects such as breast tenderness, spotty skin (acne), and slight weight gain. These symptoms usually settle down after a few months.

Some women develop small, fluid-filled cysts on their ovaries. These are not dangerous and donâ€™t usually need to be removed. Often there are no symptoms, but some women may have pelvic pain. These cysts usually disappear without treatment.

If you become pregnant while taking the progestogen-only pill, there is a slightly higher risk of having an ectopic pregnancy (where a baby develops outside the womb).

Some studies show that taking an hormonal contraceptive may slightly increase your risk of developing breast cancer or cervical cancer. Research into this is ongoing.

As with other non-barrier methods of contraception, the progestogen-only pill does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). If you think you may have a STI, itâ€™s important to see you GP or visit your local sexual health (GUM) clinic as soon as possible so both you (and your partner if necessary) can be diagnosed and treated.

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