Online request for the progestogen-only pill

TEST PAGE – DO NOT USE

Devon residents (excluding postcodes xxxxxxx) over the age of 18 can now order the progestogen-only pill (“mini-pill”, POP) online using this webform. This form can be used if you wish to start the POP for the first time, or if you need more of your POP.

This form cannot be used for requesting the combined contraceptive pill / ring / patch

What is the POP?

• The POP, sometimes known as the mini-pill, is a contraceptive pill that must be taken every day with no break. It should be taken at the same time every day.
• It contains a single hormone, a progestogen known as Desogestrel (other types of POP contain norethisterone, levonorgestrel or drospirenone please book an appointment to order these). This hormone is for contraception only and cannot be used as HRT.
• The POP is 99% effective when used perfectly. However “typical use” puts the pill at about 91% effective (approximately 1 in 11 women taking the pill become pregnant each year). This “typical use” reflects real life where pills can easily be missed/forgotten.
• If you are 12 hours or more late in taking it, then it will not work and you may become pregnant.
• The POP is not suitable for women with certain medical conditions such as liver disease or breast cancer. However there are generally very few reasons why this type of pill would not work for you. We will ask you for details of any medical conditions, please be as accurate as you can so we can assess if this pill is safe for you.
• Some medication can make POP less effective and mean there is a risk of pregnancy. We will ask you for details of any medications including herbal preparations, please be as accurate as you can so we can assess if this contraceptive is safe for you.
• The POP may cause temporary side-effects such as acne, sore breasts, headaches, mood swings. It can also cause ovarian cysts.
• The main side effects most women see is a change in bleeding pattern. It can make vaginal bleeding lighter or more irregular and it may stop you bleeding altogether. You won’t know how it affects you until you try it.
• If your bleeding is irregular and heavy after 3-6 months of using POP or changes when you have been using POP for longer we recommend booking an appointment to see us. At this appointment we will offer pregnancy and STI testing and an examination.
• You should be aware that there is a small increase in breast cancer risk when using any hormonal contraception.
• The POP does not protect against STIs, if you would like to be tested for STIs please indicate this on the form below. Condoms are the only contraceptive that protects against STIs, you can also order these when you order your POP.

How to take the Desogestrel POP

• The POP should be taken every day without a break.
• You should take the POP at the same time every day.
• If you are more than 12 hours late taking the Desogestrel POP this means it will not be effective and you are at risk of pregnancy.
• If you are late taking the POP or miss a pill you must use condoms until you have taken the POP correctly for two days.
• If you vomit within three hours of taking the POP it may not be effective, you should use condoms until you have taken the POP correctly for two days.
• If you have watery diarrhoea it is likely that the POP will not be effective. You should use condoms until you are well and you have taken the POP correctly for two days.
• If you are starting the POP you should follow the missed pill advice and use condoms for two days.
• If you have sex without a condom when the POP may not be effective we recommend using emergency contraception, you can access this through our service, in local pharmacies or from your GP.
• If you have not used contraception recently you may need emergency contraception (link), we recommend doing a pregnancy test before starting POP and three weeks after any sex without condoms or contraception.

How do I go ahead and order the POP?

Please complete in full the order form below:

Our team will assess your information when submitted and then:

• • If no concerns are flagged your request will be approved and your pill will be prescribed and packed for posting.
  • If any concerns are identified you will be prompted to call us, you can still submit the form and we may call you back if you have not contacted us.
    • Please note any calls from the service will be from a withheld/unknown number (No Caller ID).
  • Once packed for posting the package will be collected on the next working day and you will receive it by standard mail.
  • Please note that this process can take up to 14 working days to complete due to processing and postal times.

If you are happy to go ahead with this process please continue to read down this page. We will ask you a number of questions about your health to assess whether you can take this method of contraception. These questions are the same as asked in clinic appointments. Your responses will be reviewed by a member of our team.

Please note these questions are being asked to ensure this method of contraception is right for you and is safe to use. Please answer all of them honestly.

What do I do if I have any questions or concerns?

If you have any queries or would simply like to talk to one of our team rather than using this form – please call our telephone triage line on 0300 303 3989.

Otherwise to proceed with an online POP order please continue on and complete this form.

Can I order condoms or STI tests during this process?

You can request condoms to come with your POP – tick to select them at the bottom of the order form

This form cannot request STI testing. If you would like to get tested please check out your options here.

Request form