Are Progyluton pills CONTRACEPTIVES?
Q: Dear Dr Mitchell,
I was prescribed Progyluton pills to regulate my menstruation, yet I have doubts because I read that it’s not a contraceptive pill. At my last visit with my OBGyn, I was told that I wouldn’t get pregnant as the effect is like a contraceptive. This has me worried as I’m having sex with my husband and want to know if I could in fact get pregnant.
A: Progyluton is a drug that is usually prescribed for women with abnormal uterine bleeding to regulate the menstrual cycle. It contains estradiol and norgestrel. The dose of oestrogen and progesterone is quite low and so it does not prevent pregnancy. It is preferred by mothers of young girls presenting with irregular menstrual periods because it tends to be less frequently associated with the usual side effects of birth control pills. It is also preferred for treatment in older women with abnormal uterine bleeding because of the low dose of hormones that it contains.
The risk of complications such as heart attacks, strokes, deep vein thrombosis and breast cancer are significantly less than when the combined oral contraceptive pill is used. It is used when there is no desire for contraception especially in young girls who are not sexually active. If you are sexually active and there are no contraindications, then the combined oral contraceptive pill is preferred.
In older women over 40 years, where the oral contraceptive pill may be contraindicated, then Progyluton is a safe choice. But pregnancy can occur when taking it since it does not prevent ovulation. You should therefore use a condom (male/female) or another method such as the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) as a back-up method.
In older women with abnormal uterine bleeding, a detailed evaluation which should include a pelvic examination, Pap smear and a pelvic ultrasound should be done to rule out an underlying malignancy of the uterus, ovary or cervix as the cause of the abnormal bleeding. This should be done before any hormonal treatment is undertaken. Progyluton can be used to treat the irregular menstruation once there is no underlying pathology.
In the early years after the onset of the menses (menarche), and the years preceding the last menstrual period (menopause), abnormal uterine bleeding is a common complaint which is best treated with a hormonal method once there is a detailed assessment to rule out any significant underlying cause of the abnormal bleeding. You should definitely use a contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy since Progyluton is not a contraceptive method.
Best wishes
Dr Sharmaine Mitchell is an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Send questions via e-mail to allwoman@jamaicaobserver. com; write to All Woman, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Ave, Kingston 5; or fax 968-2025. Dr Mitchell cannot provide personal responses.
DISCLAIMER:
The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and must not be relied upon as an alternative to medical advice or treatment from your own doctor.
