Client Information for Informed Consent

POPS — PROGESTIN-ONLY BIRTH CONTROL PILLS

The POP is a progestin-only oral contraceptive that is taken daily. The progestin that it contains is similar to the hor­mone progesterone that is produced by a woman’s body. POPs do not contain estrogen. They work in two main ways. About 50 percent of the time, they keep the ovaries from releasing eggs. They also thicken the cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from reaching the egg. For every 100 women who use POPs, about eight will become pregnant the first year with typical use. Fewer than one out of 100 will become pregnant with perfect use.

POPs may be less effective if taken with certain drugs, especially some that are used to control seizures or treat certain mental illnesses or HIV/AIDS. Be sure to talk to your clinician if you take any other medicine — including herbs and over-the-counter medicine. Tell other clinicians you see that you are using POPs.

POPs offer no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms are the best way for sexually active people to reduce the risk of STIs. Always use a condom if you or your partner has other sex partners.

Advantages of POPs

   · nothing to do right before sex to make them work

   · decreased risk of PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)

   · fewer menstrual cramps                                                                    

   · ability to become pregnant should return quickly

   · less blood loss during menstruation

Disadvantages of POPs

   · POPs must be taken at the same time of day, every day.

   · If you take your POP as few as three hours late, you must use a back-up

      method of birth control-like a latex condom and/or spermicide-for 48

      hours.

   · You may experience irregular menstrual cycles including early or  late

      periods, spotting between periods or no periods. 

Possible side-effects that usually clear up after two or three months include

• headache
• nausea
• breast discomfort
• dizziness

     Women should not use POPs if they

    · have known or suspected cancer of the breast

    · can’t maintain a rigid pill-taking schedule

    · can’t tolerate irregular menstrual cycles    

    · are, or think they are, pregnant

Tell your clinician about any past or current medical problems or concerns you may have.  Your clinician will help you to decide if POPs are right for you. Sometimes special tests or follow-up may be needed.

Warning Signs — call the health center right away if you have

• severe pain in the stomach or abdomen
• long periods of bleeding from the vagina
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• no period after having a period every month
• a new lump in the breast
• unusual swelling or pain in the legs or arms

Regular physical examinations for routine health care and for screening sexually transmitted infections and cancer are strongly recommended.