Abstract

Compared with the combined pill, continuous progestagen preparations have a higher risk of pregnancy, and cause more menstrual irregularities resulting in a higher discontinuation rate. No other major unwanted effects have been reported and this may ensure that these preparations have some place in contraceptive practice. They are particularly suitable for women who know about their properties and wish merely to postpone their next pregnancy rather than to secure maximum protection against conception; for women who are breast-feeding; for some patients with serious medical conditions; and for older women or heavy smokers for whom combined pills are inappropriate. There is so far no good evidence that the preparations available differ in efficacy, adverse effects, or acceptability.