Family Planning

CHAPTER 2Progestin-Only PillsThis chapter focuses on progestin-only pills for breastfeeding women. Women whoare not breastfeeding also can use progestin-only pills. Guidance that differs forwomen who are not breastfeeding is noted.2Progestin-Only PillsKey Points for Providers and ClientsóóóóóTake one pill every day. No breaks between packs.Safe for breastfeeding women and their babies. Progestinonlypills do not affect milk production.Add to the contraceptive effect of breastfeeding. Together,they provide effective pregnancy protection.Bleeding changes are common but not harmful. Typically,pills lengthen how long breastfeeding women have no monthlybleeding. For women having monthly bleeding, frequent orirregular bleeding is common.Can be given to a woman at any time to start later. Ifpregnancy cannot be ruled out, a provider can give her pills totake later, when her monthly bleeding begins.What Are Progestin-Only Pills?óóóóPills that contain very low doses of a progestin like the natural hormoneprogesterone in a woman’s body.Do not contain estrogen, and so can be used throughout breastfeedingand by women who cannot use methods with estrogen.Progestin-only pills (POPs) are also called “minipills” and progestin-onlyoral contraceptives.Work primarily by:– Thickening cervical mucus (this blocks sperm from meeting an egg)– Disrupting the menstrual cycle, including preventing the release of eggsfrom the ovaries (ovulation)Progestin-Only Pills25