How Lovima works
It’s useful to understand how Lovima can help to prevent you from falling pregnant. Find out more about this topic below.
How does the Lovima pill work?
Lovima is up to 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken correctly - but how does this contraceptive pill work?
Lovima contains desogestrel - a synthetic version of progesterone, the female sex hormone. Desogestrel works in two ways to prevent pregnancy:
- It helps prevent you from ovulating
Ovulation occurs when an egg is released from the ovaries around the middle of your menstrual cycle. If there is no egg, there is nothing for the sperm to fertilise, therefore pregnancy is prevented.
- It thickens the cervical mucus
Desogestrel also works to thicken the cervical mucus. This makes it difficult for sperm to travel to the uterus and reach the eggs that may have been released, further reducing the chances of pregnancy.
What is desogestrel?
Desogestrel is a medication that was previously only available on prescription. It is a synthetic type of the female sex hormone progesterone, and it is the active ingredient in Lovima.
Contraceptive pills that contain desogestrel, like Lovima, help prevent pregnancy by working to stop egg release, also known as ovulation. Desogestrel also works by thickening the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to travel to the uterus.
Is Lovima suitable for me?
There’s a good chance that Lovima could be the right fit for you. It is used by many women, and people with uteruses, of childbearing age. In fact, you can start using it from your first period, all the way up to the menopause. Before you take Lovima, your pharmacist will go through some questions to make sure it’s suitable for you.
You may still be able to take Lovima if you:
- have recently had a baby
- are currently breastfeeding
- experience migraines
- are age 35 years or over and smoke
- are overweight
However, Lovima may not be suitable for you if:
- are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant
- have an active thrombosis, otherwise known as a blood clot
- have or have ever had jaundice or severe liver disease
- have or suspect you might have a cancer that is sensitive to sex steroids, such as some forms of breast cancer
- have any unexplained vaginal bleeding
- are allergic to soya, peanut or lactose
- are allergic to any of the ingredients found in Lovima
If you want to find out more information about who can take Lovima you should talk to your pharmacist.
Buy Lovima
You can buy Lovima right here on our website or in-store at your local participating pharmacy.
