Other methods contain only progesterone, or a progestin. These include the progesterone only pill (the POP or 'minipill'), and an injection every three months. A contraceptive implant called Norplant was removed from the market in 2002, though a newer implant called Implanon was approved for sale on July 17, 2006. The various progesterone-only methods may cause irregular bleeding for several months.
The Mini-Pill – different from the combination pill, the progestin-only pill (POP) or mini-pill contains only small amounts of one hormone. The mini-pill keeps the ovaries working but interferes with the natural cycle so that pregnancy cannot occur. It works by reducing and thickening the cervical mucus to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. It also changes the jelly-like mucus at the entrance of the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to penetrate. The mini-pill must be taken at precisely the same time everyday to be effective. Otherwise, the contraceptive reliability may no longer be adequate.
Effectiveness: The reliability of the progestin-only pill is high, but slightly less than that of the combined pill. The mini-pill offers an alternative for women who cannot or do not want to use estrogen-containing oral contraceptives for medical reasons or for those who are breastfeeding. It reduces menstrual pain and blood flow. For those who wish to become pregnant, the method is easily reversible. Plus it is 90-99% effective. Because the mini-pill does not have estrogen, it tends to have milder side effects than combined OCs. The most recent mini-pill also prevents ovulation making it a very reliable option.
Side effects: A backup method of contraception is necessary during the first month of taking the mini-pill. Your periods will become irregular. Although rare, breast tenderness, headaches, nausea and weight change might occur.
The injectable hormone progestin is a reversible and effective method of contraception. Either your doctor or a nurse will administer the injection in the muscle of your upper arm, buttocks or thigh. The injection lasts for 10 to 13 weeks (approximately 3 months) after which time you must have another injection to maintain the contraceptive benefits. Progestin interferes with the natural cycle, but unlike oral contraceptives cannot profoundly suppress it. It stops ovulation and acts on the lining of the uterus walls - and on the jelly like mucus at the entrance of the cervix, to make it difficult for sperm to get through.
Effectiveness: Injection contraception can be quite effective. It is the second most effective reversible form of contraception. The method is fully effective 24 hours after injection. The failure rate for women who use this form of birth control is about 3 pregnancies in 1000 women who use this form of contraception for one year.
Side effects: Possible weight gain and irregular bleeding.
Benefits: Injectable progestin can be used by women who cannot take estrogen. There is no need to remember to take pill everyday. It provides contraception for up to 3 months and is highly effective at preventing pregnancy
Visit also:
www.tanzania.eu – a guide to by travelers for travelers
www.diving.eu – discover underwater world
www.relax.pl – database of all kinds of objects, from agrotourism to hotels and inns in Poland
