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How to relate progestogen-only pill guidance to clinical practice

02 November 2022
Pharmacology
02 November 2022
Volume 4 · Issue 11

Abstract

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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Contraceptive effectiveness
contraceptives
hormonal contraception
referral and consultation