It seems strange, but not all women, Flavia included, are aware that there is a contraceptive pill that contains only progestin, no estrogen.

It's good to know how it works given that this is the hormone that ensures contraceptive efficacy.

Progestin has a double action. The first, and most important, is the blockage of ovulation. The second, a supporting but still essential action, is the modification of the cervical mucus. The mucus becomes thick and hostile to the ascension of the sperm from the vagina to the uterus, where the egg cell is. If the egg is not released (ovulation), and the sperm do not reach their destination, fertilization cannot occur. Even the uterine lining, the endometrium, changes and becomes unfit to accommodate a possible fertilized egg. The mechanism thus has multiple actions, which ensures the highest possible contraceptive efficacy with minimal hormonal dosage.

What Amber read is true - the progestin-only pill is one of three types of hormonal contraceptives with only progestin. In addition to the pill, you can choose the subdermal implant (which releases the progestin etonogestrel) or the medicated coil that releases the progestin levonorgestrel (LNG-IUD).

Clelia's fear is common. Don't worry, this is not the case! The progestin pill is more effective (99.95%) than the combined one. It prevents pregnancy without the side effects associated with taking estrogen. "I found out from my new gynecologist that the progestin-only pill works the same way as the combined pills, and has an efficacy that is just as high," says Clelia. Indeed, in many situations, the progestin-only pill may be a more appropriate solution. Talk to your gynecologist to assess the benefits and risks before making your choice. Every woman deserves the most appropriate choice.

Good for you Serena! The pill without estrogen is the only pill recommended during breastfeeding, once started. Starting too soon is not advisable. After giving birth, in fact, the fall in circulating progesterone levels is indispensable for the start of lactation, and starting on a progestin pill too early may interfere with milk production. It can be taken by the nursing mother after the first 6 weeks of postpartum (or after the first 3 weeks, if you decide not to breastfeed).

Does Mariangela's story sound familiar? Since the progestin-only pill has a minimal effect on the coagulation system, it can be used by women who don't intend to breastfeed postpartum, with no increase in the risk of venous thromboembolism, stroke or heart attack.

To find out when the best time to start is, talk to your gynecologist.

Concetta's poses an important question that it is good to be informed about. It is true that female hormones affect mood, but postpartum depression is a real clinical syndrome that is well-defined and that has complex causes. It generally appears in women that are predisposed to it, and can also occur prior to getting pregnant. Have you ever been depressed in the past, so much so that you needed antidepressants? Or have you suffered from severe depression and behavioral problems before your cycles? Is there someone in your family that can help you with the baby? If none of these situations apply to you, then there is nothing to worry about. In any case, always keep in mind - even for a future pregnancy - that this is important information to give to your gynecologist. Knowing this ahead of time, it is possible to prepare for pregnancy and puerperium.

Like Carmen, did you also have swollen breasts all the time with the combined pill? Breast tenderness, along with headache, nausea or vomiting are side-effects that are often linked to estrogen. Almost 90% of women who change from one combination pill to a progestin-only pill are satisfied with the change, as is reflected in the comments collected in the doctor's office: "It helped me get rid of headache attacks....", "Nausea? I don't know what that is anymore! " " The sensation of vomiting tormented me, I finally brought it to an end!" "I am satisfied with my choice, it makes me feel better, and my boyfriend is.....happier ;-) if you get what I mean! "

Are you a chain smoker like Fulvia?

There are many studies that exist in the literature that document an increased risk of cardiovascular problems for female smokers that take the combined contraceptive pill. If you think it's useful to change, the progestin-only pill may offer a less risky solution, but first consult with your gynecologist to assess the risks and benefits. If you can, reduce your smoking – it doesn't only cause heart problems, but it can damage your whole body, and triggers a chronic state of inflammation that is harmful to your health both today and tomorrow.

We can confirm that the progestin pill may be a safer solution for women who are overweight or even obese. Obesity is the cause of many complications during pregnancy, and therefore obese women should be especially motivated to use a reliable form of contraception.

Excess weight, in fact, is directly correlated with an increased risk of clot formation with respect to standard weight. Therefore, in addition to getting your gynecologist's advice on whether to change pills (if you're taking a combined pill), you should also evaluate whether to change your lifestyle, being more attentive to the portions and the quality of what you eat, and doing more physical activity. Movement is good for the body and mind, and also for sexuality. Seeing is believing!

Laura poses another interesting question. According to the most recent guidelines, the progestin-only pill is also recommended for women with type 2 diabetes (which is often accompanied by excess weight , obesity and/or hypertension). This applies to both recently-diagnosed women as well as to those who have been diagnosed for a long time, and who have diabetic complications, for whom the use of the combined pill is not recommended. The decision must still be discussed and agreed upon with your gynecologist based on the personal profile of the individual woman.
Don't hesitate to talk to your doctor to resolve any doubts you may have.

Lorella's question is surely shared by many other women like you.

The progestin-only pill does not seem to have major side effects. On the other hand, in certain conditions (as you may have figured out from several answers), it is more appropriate because it does not induce the classic effects related to the intake of estrogen, and also has a lower cardiovascular risk. In some women, menstrual irregularities of various kinds may appear. Nevertheless, these have no impact on overall health, as your gynecologist will confirm, but in some cases, especially if the woman is not well informed, they can cause discomfort and therefore interruption of the method.

What Liliana writes is true. If you decide to switch to a progestin-only pill while taking a classic estrogen-progestin pill, you can do it right away. Just change pills and take the new one prescribed by your gynecologist.

Women who do not menstruate (because they have recently given birth or are breastfeeding, or because they have amenorrhea) can start taking the progestin-only pill at any time, always following the recommendation of a gynecologist, who often, in these circumstances, may recommend the use of condoms for the first 7 days to ensure maximum contraceptive safety.