Slinda is a new progestogen-only contraceptive pill which became available in Australia in mid 2021. Its active ingredient is drospirenone 4mg, which is a new generation progesterone, and it does not contain any oestrogen. It has similar efficacy to the traditional combined oral contraceptive pills, with a contraceptive efficacy of 99% (Pearl Index 0.73).
As Slinda does not contain oestrogen, it may be suitable for women who may need to avoid oestrogen-containing oral contraceptive pills, such as smokers, or in the setting of obesity or family history of venous thromboembolism.
What side effects can Slinda cause?
Most side effects associated with Slinda are minor and temporary. This may include changes to the bleeding pattern, with irregular breakthrough bleeding, especially in the first few months after starting Slinda. Some women may experience progesterone side effects, including nausea, headaches, breast tenderness and acne.
How does Slinda Work?
Slinda is a progesterone pill which acts to:
- Prevent ovulation, so the ovaries do not release eggs when you are on Slinda
- Thins the lining of the uterus (endometrium), making it less favourable for the embryo implantation
- Thickens the mucus of the cervix, making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus
How is Slinda taken?
In each pill packet, there are 24 white active pills, and 4 green placebo pills. You should take one tablet around the same time every day.
What is the Bleeding Pattern to expect with Slinda?
It may take 3-4 months for the bleeding pattern to establish after starting a new pill. Most women will get a period on the days of the 4 green placebo (sugar) pills. Some women on Slinda may not get a period even when taking the sugar pills. After 12 months of using Slinda, 50% of women will stop having periods whilst they continue with Slinda. The periods should return once they stop taking Slinda.
Can I use Slinda Whilst Breastfeeding?
As Slinda does not contain any oestrogen, it can be used in breastfeeding mothers.
Is Slinda suitable for women with Endometriosis?
Slinda is a progesterone only pill that can suppress ovulation. It can be useful as medical treatment for endometriosis, painful periods, and may be helpful to reduce the risk of endometriosis recurrence after laparoscopic surgery to remove endometriosis.
Click here to find out more about treatment options for endometriosis.
Endometriosis Specialist
Endometriosis affects 1 in 8 Australian women, and up to 32% of women of reproductive age undergoing laparoscopy for investigation of pelvic pain will have some degree of endometriosis.
Endometriosis is associated with female infertility, and is a common cause for painful sexual intercourse and painful periods.
Chronic Pelvic Pain is a complex problem that accounts for up to 10% of visits to gynaecologists, and can significantly affect the lives of many women. The cause of the pelvic pain is often multi-factorial, and the treatment approach demands a multi-disciplinary team working together to identify possible sources of the pelvic pain, and to manage the often debilitating symptoms.
Dr Ken Law
FRANZCOG, MBBS Hons (Melb)
Dr Ken Law is a trusted Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in Brisbane with extensive experience attained locally, nationally, and internationally.
He is a passionate Brisbane obstetrician delivering babies at Greenslopes Maternity, offering women attentive care from conception to all the stages of pregnancy and delivery.
Dr Ken Law is also a leading Brisbane gynaecologist offering modern minimally invasive gynaecological surgery with laparoscopic (“keyhole”) and robotic surgery.