Progesterone-Only Pill - Advantages & Disadvantages You Need To Know

Progesterone Only Pill

The POP is also known as the ‘mini pill’. It contains progestogen, a synthetic version of the female hormone progesterone. Unlike the combined oral contraceptive pill, the POP does not contain any oestrogen.

How Does It Work?

The POP prevents pregnancy by:

• Making the mucus at the entrance of the womb thicker, hence preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.

• Thinning the womb lining, making it harder for the egg to be implanted.

• Depending on the type of 

• Making the mucus at the entrance of the womb thicker, hence preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.

• Thinning the womb lining, making it harder for the egg to be implanted. 

• Depending on the type of

• Making the mucus at the entrance of the womb thicker, hence preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.

• Thinning the womb lining, making it harder for the egg to be implanted. 

• Depending on the type of progestogen used, it may also prevent an egg from being released.

How Effective Is The POP?

It is over 99% effective if taken correctly and according to instructions. 

How Do I Start Taking The POP?

If you are starting on your first pack of the POP, it is best to take the first pill on your first day of If you start your POP more than 5 days after the start of your period, you should use condoms as a backup for the first 7 days.

I am currently using a contraceptive method that contains oestrogen, and have been advised to change to the POP. When should I start taking the POP?

If you are taking the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), take the first POP on the day immediately after the last active pill of the COCP pack.

If you are using the patch or vaginal ring, take the first POP the day before removing your patch or vaginal ring.

What Do I Do If I Forget To Take My Pill?

Missing a pill or pills can reduce the POP’s effectiveness. 

This depends on:

• The type of pill you are on.

• How many hours you are late in taking your pill.

• How many pills you missed.

• Whether you have had unprotected sex in the past 7 days.

Take the missed pill as soon as you remember. If you missed more than one pill, take only one replacement pill (leave any earlier missed pills).

Take your next pill at your usual dosage time, even if this means taking two pills in a day (one replacement pill at the time you remember, and the next one at your usual time). 

If you missed only one pill and you remember to take it within 3 hours (or 12 hours for the 12-hour pill) of your usual dosage time, you will still be protected from pregnancy.

If you are over 3 hours (or 12 hours for the 12-hour pill) late taking the missed pill(s), you are not protected from pregnancy. If you are over 3 hours (or 12 hours for the 12-hour pill) late taking the missed pill(s), you are not protected from pregnancy. 

Continue taking your pills as usual, but you have to use another contraceptive method, such as a condom for the next 7 days. for the next 7 days.

If you have had unprotected sex during this time, you may need emergency contraception such as the morning-after pill or IUD. 

Seek medical advice immediately.

Will I Still Be Protected From Pregnancy If I Am Vomiting Or Have Diarrhoea?

The POP may not be absorbed properly if you vomit within 2 hours of taking it. Take a replacement pill as soon as you are able to and the subsequent pill at your usual dosage time. If the replacement pill is taken within 3 hours (or 12 hours for the 12-hour pill) of your usual dosage time and you do not vomit again after that, you will still be protected from pregnancy. Otherwise, follow the advice concerning missing pills.

If diarrhoea is severe ( If diarrhoea is severe (≥6 episodes in 24 hours), take your pills as usual, but use another contraceptive method, such as 6 episodes in 24 hours), take your pills as usual, but use another contraceptive method, such as a condom, while you have diarrhoea, and for 7 days after recovering.

Will It Cause Any Side Effects?

Like all other medications, the POP may result in some side effects. 

These are rare and can include:

• Acne

• Sore breasts and breast enlargement 

• A change in sex drive

• Mood changes

• Headache and migraine

• Nausea or vomiting

• Increase in weight

However, these side effects usually subside over time. If you are concerned about them, or should the side effects persist, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. They might switch you to a different brand of pill or another contraceptive method.

Is POP Suitable For Me?

If there are no medical reasons for you not to take the POP, it can be taken until menopause or until you are 55 years of age

The POP may not be suitable for you if you have certain conditions. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have, or have had:

• Heart disease or a stroke

• Liver disease

• Breast cancer

• Ovarian cysts

• Systemic lupus erythematosus

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding

Important: Inform your doctor or pharmacist of any illness or operations you have had, or have. Will other medications affect their effectiveness? There are certain medications and herbal supplements that may affect the effectiveness of the POP. These include certain medications for epilepsy, tuberculosis, meningitis and HIV; and a herbal supplement called St John’s wort. If you need to take any of these, your doctor or pharmacist might advise you to use a different method of contraception. If you are given any medications, always let your doctor or pharmacist know that you are taking the POP.

Can I Use It If I Am Breastfeeding?

Yes, the POP is safe to be used while breastfeeding. It does not affect the production of breast milk. Tiny quantities of progestogen may pass into the breast milk, but this will not harm your baby.

When Can I Start Taking If I Have Just Given Birth?

You can start on the POP on the 21st day after delivery. If it is started more than 21 days after delivery, use additional precautions such as condoms for the first 7 days of pill-taking.

What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of The POP?

Advantages:

• You can use it while breastfeeding.

• It can be an option if you cannot take contraceptives that contain 

• You can use it while breastfeeding.

• It can be an option if you cannot take contraceptives that contain oestrogen. The combined oral contraceptive pill, patch and vaginal ring contain oestrogen.

• In addition to contraception, it might reduce painful periods and help with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

• You can use it if you smoke and are over 35 years old.

Disadvantages:

• You may experience more irregular, frequent or lighter periods. Periods may even stop altogether.

• It can cause breakthrough bleeding

• It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A condom is the only contraceptive method that can also protect against STIs.

• For it to be effective, it needs to be taken at around the same time daily.