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Progestin-Only Contraceptives

Meaning

A category of hormonal birth control methods that contain only a synthetic progestogen, known as a progestin, and entirely exclude any form of estrogen. These contraceptives are available in various formulations, including oral pills, injectable agents, subdermal implants, and intrauterine devices (IUDs), offering different durations of action. They are often a preferred choice for individuals who have contraindications to estrogen, such as a history of thromboembolism or certain migraines, or while breastfeeding. Their mechanism of action relies on multiple synergistic effects on the reproductive axis and the reproductive tract.