Description
Norgeston is a contraceptive pill that contains the female sex hormone Levonorgestrel and is used for the prevention of pregnancy. It is a mini pill which is taken every day for 35 days without a break of pills.It works by making it harder for sperm to reach an egg during ovulation and altering the lining of the womb so that a fertilised egg is not developed.
Norgestron works in a similar way to progestogen only pills (POPS) and is a highly effective form of contraception, provided this is taken correctly. If not taken correctly, the rate of effectiveness will decrease (see section 3).
The benefits of taking the Pill include:
- It is one of the most reliable reversible methods of contraception when used correctly
- it does not interrupt sex.
Please note that Norgestron on its own doesn’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections, so the use of a condom with the pill is recommended.
Norgeston tablets are not advised for use after the menopause.
Effectiveness
When used correctly, Norgeston can provide up to 99% effectiveness against pregnancies. There is however, a slightly higher chance of pregnancy when using a progestogen only pill (POP) such as Norgeston as opposed to other contraception medicines such as the combined pill (which contains oestrogen and a progestogen).
How to take it Norgestron
You should always take Norgeston as prescribed, if you are unsure you should consult your doctor or family planning nurse.
- You should take Norgeston every day for 35 days
- Norgeston comes in strips of 35 pills, each marked with a day of the week.
- You should take your pill at the same time every day- ensure that you are never more than threehours late with a pill otherwise you may not be protected
- You should begin by taking a pill marked with the correct day of the week and follow the direction of the arrows on the strip
- Take one pill each day, until you have finished all 35 pills
- Each pill should be swallowed whole (not chewed) – taken with water if needed
- Once you have finished your current strip, you should start taking the next strips of tablets, again beginning with the pill marked with the day of the week.
- Ensure that you start the new strip on time.
You will be taking the Norgestron pills throughout your period and there should be no breaks between packs. Provided you take the pills correctly, you will always begin a new strip on the same day of the week.
Please see My Chemist Pluscontraception range for alternative contraception pills.
For further information on contraception see the NHS contraception section.
Mini Pills (Progestogen-Only)
The mini pill is a medication that contains only progesterone and works by thickening the mucus in the neck of the womb. This makes it harder for sperm to penetrate the womb and from reaching an egg, with some varieties of the mini pill also stopping ovulation.
The mini pill is a medication that should be taken at the same time daily with no breaks. If you are more than three hours late taking it, you will not be protected against pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to make taking the mini pill part of your regular routine, for instance creating an alarm to ensure this is taken on time.
The mini pill does not provide protection against STIs so you may want an additional method of contraception for this such as condoms.
One of the most common side effects when you begin taking this pill is irregular bleeding, but this is often light and usually settles down within the first three months.