Who Can Take It

Can I take the progestogen-only pill?

The progestogen-only pill (mini pill) is not suitable for everyone.

It may not be suitable if you have ever had:

a condition affecting your heart or blood vessels (cardiovascular disease)
a stroke
a liver condition, such as cirrhosis
breast cancer
a condition that affects your kidneys

If any of these apply to you, talk to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist about whether it's safe for you to take the progestogen-only pill.

If you cannot take contraception with oestrogen

The progestogen-only pill does not contain the hormone oestrogen, meaning this type of contraception is suitable for many people who cannot take oestrogen. Ask a doctor, nurse or pharmacist whether it's safe for you.

Oestrogen is in the combined pill, contraceptive patch and vaginal ring.

Taking the progestogen-only pill after giving birth

If you've just had a baby, you can start taking the progestogen-only pill straight away.

The progestogen-only pill is safe to use when you're breastfeeding.

Sexual Health Advice

Throughout this series we have help and advice on staying healthy, dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections, the risks of each type of the most popular gay sex and what to do if the sex you have is not consentual. The topics covered in this series include:

	This item was in brought to you association with NHS website. Follow the links above for more information and don't forget to check out OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health which features items on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. This week our topic is: L - Lung Cancer.
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