What is Norgeston?
Norgeston is a type of oral contraceptive known as a progestogen-only pill (POP) or "mini-pill" [1.2.6]. Its active ingredient is levonorgestrel, a synthetic version of the female sex hormone progesterone [1.2.3, 1.2.5]. Each pack contains 35 tablets, and unlike some other birth control pills, it is taken every day without a break between packs [1.2.2]. Each tablet contains 30 micrograms of levonorgestrel [1.2.6]. Norgeston is primarily used to prevent pregnancy [1.6.4]. It's a suitable option for women who cannot take contraceptives containing estrogen [1.6.1].
How Norgeston Prevents Pregnancy
Norgeston works in three primary ways to prevent pregnancy [1.2.2]:
- Thickens Cervical Mucus: It makes the mucus in the cervix thicker, which creates a barrier that is difficult for sperm to penetrate to reach the womb [1.2.2].
- Alters Womb Lining: The pill prevents the lining of the womb (endometrium) from thickening enough for a fertilized egg to implant and grow [1.2.2].
- Prevents Ovulation: In some women, it can also stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each month, although this is not its primary mechanism of action [1.2.2, 1.8.6].
When taken correctly, Norgeston is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, with typical use, which accounts for mistakes like missing a pill, its effectiveness is closer to 91-92% [1.2.3, 1.7.4].
How to Take Norgeston: A Step-by-Step Guide
Taking Norgeston correctly is crucial for its effectiveness. The most critical factor is taking the pill at the same time every single day [1.2.3]. Norgeston has a strict 3-hour window, meaning you must take your pill within the same three hours each day [1.8.1].
- Choose Your Time: Select a convenient and memorable time of day to take your first pill. For many, taking it first thing in the morning is easiest [1.2.4].
- Start Correctly: If you start taking Norgeston on day 1 to 5 of your menstrual cycle, you are protected from pregnancy immediately [1.2.6]. If you start on any other day, you must use additional contraception, like condoms, for the first two days of taking the pill [1.2.6].
- Follow the Pack: Norgeston strips are marked with the days of the week to help you keep track [1.2.2]. Start with the pill for the correct day and follow the arrows on the strip [1.2.7].
- Take One Pill Daily: Swallow one pill whole with water if needed, at your chosen time, every day [1.2.7].
- No Breaks Between Packs: Once you finish a 35-pill strip, start the next one the very next day. There are no breaks, even during your period [1.2.2, 1.2.7].
What to Do If You Miss a Pill or Are Late
Timing is critical with Norgeston.
- Less Than 3 Hours Late: If you are less than 3 hours late taking your pill, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next pill at the usual time. Your contraceptive protection is not reduced [1.3.6].
- More Than 3 Hours Late: If you are more than 3 hours late, your contraceptive protection may be lost [1.2.3]. Take the missed pill as soon as you remember (even if it means taking two in one day), and continue with the rest of the pack at your usual time. You must use an additional barrier method of contraception, like condoms, for the next 7 days [1.3.6, 1.2.5].
- Vomiting or Severe Diarrhea: If you vomit within 2 hours of taking a pill, or have severe diarrhea, it may not have been absorbed properly [1.3.4]. You should treat this as a missed pill and use extra contraception for 2 days after you recover [1.2.4, 1.3.4].
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
Like all medications, Norgeston can cause side effects. Common ones include irregular bleeding or spotting, headaches, breast tenderness, mood changes, and nausea [1.4.1, 1.4.2]. Some women may experience a loss of periods (amenorrhea) [1.4.2].
More serious, though rare, side effects include an increased risk of blood clots and breast cancer [1.4.2]. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like severe leg pain, sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden changes in vision [1.5.5].
Norgeston is not suitable for everyone. You should not take it if you have or have had breast cancer, severe liver disease, or unexplained vaginal bleeding [1.2.5, 1.5.4]. It's important to tell your doctor about your full medical history and any other medications you are taking, as some drugs (like those for epilepsy or St. John's Wort) can make Norgeston less effective [1.2.5].
| Feature | Norgeston (Progestogen-Only Pill) | Combined Pill |
|---|---|---|
| Hormones | Progestogen (Levonorgestrel) [1.2.5] | Progestogen and Estrogen [1.6.3] |
| How to Take | Taken every day with no break [1.2.2] | Typically taken for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break or placebo pills [1.2.2] |
| Dosing Window | Strict 3-hour window [1.8.1] | Generally a more flexible 12-hour window |
| Suitability | Can be used by many women who can't take estrogen, including those who are breastfeeding [1.2.2, 1.6.1] | Not suitable for women with certain health risks (e.g., blood clots, certain migraines) |
| Effect on Periods | May cause irregular bleeding, spotting, or no periods [1.4.2] | Tends to make periods lighter, more regular, and less painful |
Conclusion
Norgeston is an effective contraceptive method when used correctly. The key to its success is consistency: taking one pill at the same time every day, within a strict three-hour window. Always follow the instructions provided and consult with a healthcare provider if you miss a pill, experience side effects, or have questions about whether it's the right choice for you. Remember that Norgeston does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so using condoms is still important for STI prevention [1.2.5].
For more detailed information, you can refer to the official Patient Information Leaflet.
