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How to relate progestogen-only pill guidance to clinical practice

02 October 2022

Clinical

02 October 2022

Volume 33 · Issue 10

ISSN (print): 0964-9271

ISSN (online): 2052-2940

Abstract

A new guideline for the use of progestogen-only pills has been published. Claire Nicol explains how this relates to clinical practice

The Clinical Effectiveness Unit (CEU) of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) regularly updates and develops national UK clinical guidelines relating to contraception. The updated FSRH progestogen-only pills (POPs) guideline was published in August 2022 and gives an overview of all POPs available in the UK. This article will highlight what is new or important in the guideline and how to relate the recommendations to clinical practice.

Progestogen-only pills (POPs) are a popular contraceptive method. The Clinical Effectiveness Unit (CEU) of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) regularly updates and develops national UK clinical guidelines relating to contraception. The updated FSRH progestogen-only pills (POP) guideline was published in August 2022 (FSRH, 2022a). It is essential that practice nurses stay up to date with the latest evidence and advice. This article will highlight what is new or important in the guideline and how to relate the recommendations to clinical practice to provide safe and comprehensive care.

There will soon be four different POPs available in the UK. Most clinicians will be familiar with the desogestrel (DSG) 75 µg POP and the two ‘traditional’ POPs, levonorgestrel (LNG) 30 µg and norethisterone (NET) 350 µg. A new drospirenone (DRSP) 4 mg POP is expected to be available in the UK soon and has been included throughout the POP guideline (FSRH, 2022a).

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