🌸 Family Planning Series – Week 2: Progestin-only Pills (POPs) & Emergency Pills 🌸
Not all contraceptive pills are the same. Today we focus on two important types:
🔹 1. Progestin-only Pills (POPs – “Mini pill”)
Composition: contain only progestin (no estrogen).
How they work: mainly thicken cervical mucus, thin the endometrium, sometimes suppress ovulation.
Best for:
Breastfeeding mothers.
Women who cannot take estrogen (e.g., smokers >35, clotting disorders).
Key point: must be taken at the same time every day. Missing a pill by >3 hours can reduce effectiveness.
✅ Advantages: Safe during lactation, fewer contraindications.
⚠️ Disadvantages: Irregular bleeding, strict timing.
🔹 2. Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs)
Purpose: prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
Types:
Levonorgestrel (LNG): most effective within 72 hrs.
Ulipristal acetate: up to 5 days after unprotected sex.
How they work: delay ovulation; do not terminate pregnancy.
Key point: the earlier they are taken, the more effective.
✅ Advantages: last-chance protection, widely available.
⚠️ Disadvantages: not for regular use, may cause nausea/irregular bleeding.
💡 Key Message:
POPs are for daily, long-term use, while emergency pills are a backup method only. Always consult your doctor to find the safest choice for you.
#DrRababCares
#FamilyPlanning #POPs #EmergencyContraception #WomensHealth #ForestParkHospital
No comments:
Post a Comment