Cerazette

Cerazette is a type of contraception called a mini pill, because it contains only one active ingredient – progesterone – compared to the combined pill which also contains oestrogen. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not as effective. It’s 99% effective when taken correctly, ^[1] meaning that your likelihood of getting pregnant on Cerazette is as low as it would be if you were taking the combined pill.

As a progesterone only pill or POP, Cerazette can be taken by more women than the combined pill. Unlike many mini pills, it can be taken up to 12 hours after its scheduled time and still provide effective cover, so it’s perfect for those who might need a little leeway.

Hormonal birth control usually works in three ways to prevent pregnancy. So if one of these processes doesn’t work, there are two other ‘backup’ processes to protect someone.

The main one is stopping ovulation. By supplementing progesterone levels, it’s highly unlikely that an egg will be released. Without an egg to fertilise, you can’t get pregnant. The pill also helps to prevent the sperm from entering the womb by thickening vaginal mucus. And just to be (99%) certain, the pill also thins the lining of the womb to make it less hospitable for an egg to attach itself there.

Cerazette is just as effective as the combined pill. Out of 100 women taking it perfectly over the course of the first year of use, less than one will get pregnant. Women taking it ‘inconsistently’ (so making the odd mistake here and there) will find it a little less effective: typical use reduces the effectiveness to around 91% (so 9 in 100 women over the first year of taking it will get pregnant).

All hormonal contraceptive pills need to be taken at the same time each day to be fully effective. Most people will usually find it easy to remember to take one pill a day once they get into the habit.

Each strip of Cerazette contraceptive pills comes with 28 pills marked with the days of the week. This will help you keep track of what you’ve taken.

• Swallow one pill whole with water at the same time every day.
• Take one pill every day until the 28 pills have been finished.
• Then start the next pack.

Mini pills don’t contain dummy pills like some combined pill packs, which are placebos added to the strip to keep you in the habit of taking it daily. In a mini pill pack, each pill carries a hormone, so it’s essential to take all of them to stay protected against pregnancy.

If you’re just starting on Cerazette, how long it takes to become effective depends on what day you start taking it. Starting the pack on the first day of your period means you’re covered right away. If you start it on any other day of your menstrual cycle, it takes up to seven days to become fully effective. You’ll need to use a barrier contraceptive like a condom during this time to be safe.

If you’re switching from another mini pill, make sure you take your first Cerazette the day after you’ve taken your final pill in your previous pack to stay protected. Switching from the combined pill is a little different – you should begin Cerazette on the first day of what would normally be your ‘pill free week’, and use a barrier contraceptive for the first seven days of taking it.

Cerazette has quite a forgiving window compared to other, older, mini pills. If you forget to take your pill but remember within 12 hours of your normal time, as long as you take your missed pill right away and carry on as normal, you won’t be any less protected.

Your protection is reduced if you’re more than 12 hours late. If this happens, take your missed pill when you remember and your next one at your usual time, and use a barrier contraception or avoid sex for the next seven days.