Progesterone only pill

[MollyH23]

Hi, I've only been on POP for 6 days now, could I get pregnant if there was any pre cum? As some websites say it takes 7 days to be protected and the NHS website says 2 so I'm just confused.....

[HJK1]

Hi Molly

It takes 48 hours for the cervical mucus to change to the infertile type, through which sperm can't pass - similar to the end of a normal menstrual cycle, a few days after ovulation.

It takes up to 7 days for ovulation to be suppressed if you are taking a desogestrel POP.

There is no ovulation suppression with other types of POP.

There was unification of information a few years ago - which was considerably easier for everyone, as so many women don't realise the difference between types of pills, understand how they work, or remember what to do with which type and standardised information kept everyone safe ... especially if someone asked a friend what to do, and the friend gave them information about a different type of pill, without realising the difference! That changed back to the original information a few years later.

Basically, it dependson the ingredients of your progestogen only pill (POP), as to how it actually works.

If you are taking a 'desogestrel' POP, then the above is relevant for you. There is ydiscrepanc between the manufacturer's guidance and other information, though.

There is a 12 hour missed pill rule with that pill, but only a 3 hour missed pill rule with all other progestogen only pills (POPs) - for those, there is no ovulation suppression and the cervical mucus can change back to the fertile type, risking pregnancy, if a pill is taken more than 27 hours after the previous pill.

Whenever you're confused by information 'out there', follow the manufacturer's guidance for the particular medication until you understand otherwise from the person who prescribed something for you - or ask your local pharmacist, who should be able to explain safe use of any medication extremely well.

I hope this helps, and doesn't confuse you further.

[charlene86]

nothing is 100%, so condoms are best to carry on using as well. Especially with risk of STI's