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Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

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Tra<strong>in</strong>er document<br />

PROGESTAGEN-ONLY PILLS (presentation)<br />

Progestagen-Only Pills (POPs), also known as m<strong>in</strong>i-pills, conta<strong>in</strong> only one synthetic<br />

hormone similar to the progesterone hormone produced by the woman’s ovaries. The<br />

amount conta<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> each m<strong>in</strong>i-pill is very low.<br />

How they work<br />

POPs work by:<br />

• Thicken<strong>in</strong>g the cervical mucus, mak<strong>in</strong>g it difficult for sperm to pass through.<br />

• Block<strong>in</strong>g ovulation<br />

Effectiveness<br />

If they are used correctly and cont<strong>in</strong>uously, POPs are very effective for breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g<br />

women: only 1 pregnancy <strong>in</strong> 100 women with<strong>in</strong> the first year <strong>of</strong> usage. As they are<br />

commonly used, 2 women out <strong>of</strong> 100 breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g women us<strong>in</strong>g POPs get pregnant<br />

with<strong>in</strong> the first year <strong>of</strong> usage.<br />

In non-breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g women, the effectiveness is lower.<br />

Advantages<br />

• Are safe, effective, especially <strong>in</strong> breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g women.<br />

• Conta<strong>in</strong> only one hormone, <strong>in</strong> a smaller quantity than the COCs.<br />

• Can be used by women who cannot use COCs because <strong>of</strong> the estrogen.<br />

• Do not <strong>in</strong>terfere with sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse.<br />

• Woman can become pregnant rapidly after stopp<strong>in</strong>g the pill (method is immediately<br />

reversible).<br />

• May be beneficial for the woman’s health:<br />

o Reduces the risk <strong>of</strong> benign breast disease<br />

o Decreases the risk <strong>of</strong> cancer <strong>of</strong> the female reproductive organs, and other genital<br />

problems (uter<strong>in</strong>e fibroma).<br />

o May reduce the cramps and bleed<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g menstrual periods.<br />

Disadvantages<br />

• Have some side effects.<br />

• Must be taken every day at exactly the same hour.<br />

• Do not protect aga<strong>in</strong>st STIs/HIV.<br />

Possible Side Effects<br />

Most women experience no side effects. Occasionally, they may experience:<br />

• Changes <strong>in</strong> menstrual bleed<strong>in</strong>g (irregular menstrual periods or absence <strong>of</strong> periods)<br />

• Unexpected bleed<strong>in</strong>g or spott<strong>in</strong>g between periods<br />

• Breast tenderness<br />

• Acne<br />

• Increase appetite and weight ga<strong>in</strong>.<br />

67<br />

RFHI/JSI <strong>Roma</strong>nia <strong>Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g</strong> <strong>of</strong> RHMs <strong>in</strong> <strong>Reproductive</strong> <strong>Health</strong> Session 4: FP Methods

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