*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Pregnancy Breastfeeding And Fertility While Taking Tibolone

NHS medicines information on tibolone and whether you can take it while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Tibolone and pregnancy

Tibolone should not be taken during pregnancy.

If you're pregnant, then your levels of oestrogen and progesterone will be high and you will not need to take tibolone.

Although it is not thought that tibolone will harm your baby, there is very little information available on the safety of this medicine in pregnancy.

If you get pregnant while taking tibolone, stop taking the medicine and speak to your doctor or midwife.

Tibolone and breastfeeding

Tibolone should not be taken while breastfeeding.

There is no information about whether taking tibolone while breastfeeding can affect your baby or how much milk you produce. Until we know more, it's best not to take it.

If you do need a medicine, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend other medicines to manage your symptoms that are more suitable to take while breastfeeding.

Tibolone and fertility

Tibolone does not act as contraception.

Even if you think that you have gone through the menopause, there's a small chance that you could still get pregnant.

If you're under 50 years old, you're advised to use contraception for at least 2 years after your last period. If you're over 50 years old, you're advised to use contraception for at least 1 year. Discuss this with your doctor or family planning practitioner.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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