The progestogen-only pill (also known as ‘POP’) is a small round tablet that releases a progestogen hormone. It has to be taken daily. Almost half of all women take oral contraceptive pills as their primary method of contraception. POP is most popular amongst women aged between 16 and 24.
You will need to take one pill every day. There are 28 pills per pack, and you do not take a break between packs. There are two different types of POP: ‘3 hour’ pills must be taken within the same 3 hour period every day. ’12 hour’ pills must be taken within the same 12 hour period.
Choose a convenient time in the day to take your first pill, and continue to take it close to that time every day.
*for typical use (effectiveness for perfect use 99%)
**very variable, heavier or lighter
You will need to take one pill every day. There are 28 pills per pack, and you do not take a break between packs. There are 2 different types of POP: ‘3 hour’ pills must be taken within the same 3 hour period every day. ’12 hour’ pills must be taken within the same 12 hour period
The hormone in POP prevents pregnancy by: Thickening the mucus in the neck of the womb, so it is harder for sperm to penetrate the womb and reach an egg In some women, POP prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation) Thinning the lining of the womb, so there is less chance of a fertilised egg implanting into the womb.
Watch a video of a clinician explaining how to take POP.
Things to consider
POP does not protect you from STIs. You should use a condom as well if you think you are at risk of an STI.
You need to remember to take your pill every day. If you find that you often miss a pill, there are long lasting contraception options available.
You miss a pill:
The pill can become less effective at preventing pregnancy if:
Suitability
Most women can take POP, but your clinician will ask about your family and medical history to determine whether or not it is the best method for you.
POP is useful for women who cannot take oestrogen, or those who smoke and are 35 or over.
POP is not always suitable for women who:
Side effects & risks
Although serious side effects are not common, there are some risks associated with POP.
Common
Short term:
Spotty skin, breast tenderness, nausea / vomiting, stomach upset, weight change and headaches, change to sex drive or mood. These should go after a few months.
Long term:
Periods may be irregular, lighter, heavier or more frequent or may stop altogether.
Rare
Long term:
Some women may develop small fluid-filled cysts on their ovaries. These are not dangerous and do not usually need to be removed.
You should discuss any concerns with your clinician.
Some women find that their weight changes due to fluid retention or an increase in appetite, but this should settle over time.
The progestogen only pill may prevent ovulation and therefore prevent you going through your usual menstrual cycle. It is normal for POP to stop periods or make them lighter or irregular. At the beginning this may be worrying, and some people will end up taking a few pregnancy tests before they feel confident that the pill is working.
If you start your pill on the first day of your cycle, then it will be effective immediately. If you start your pill at any other time on your cycle, then you should use additional protection for 48 hours.
There are 2 types of POP: 3 hour progestogen-only pill must be taken within 3 hours of the same time every day. The 3 hour pills include: Micronor, Norgeston and Noriday. An alternative progestogen-only pill, Desogestrel, common brands include Cerazette, Lovima and Hana, must be taken within 12 hours of the same time every day.
If you are healthy and there are no medical reasons for you not to take the POP, you can take it until your menopause or until you are 55 years old.
The POP has a different hormone than the combination in the combined pill, so if you have had side effects on the combined pill then you may wish to try the progestogen only pill as an alternative.
Yes, you can easily change between pills.
The chance of getting pregnant depends on when the pills are missed, how many pills are missed and whether you have had sex without using another form of contraception such as condoms.
First check your pill packet. If you are on a pill containing desogestrel then you are taking a 12 hour pill. This means that each pill must be taken within 12 hours of the same time every day. If you are less than 12 hours late, then take the missed pill as soon as you remember and take your next one on time. You do not need to take extra precautions as the pill will still work, and you’ll be protected against pregnancy. If you are more than 12 hours late, then take your missed pill as soon as you remember it, take the next one on time and keep taking the pill. You may want to consider emergency contraception. You will not be protected until you have taken 2 more pills at the correct time and will need to use condoms when you have sex for those 2 days. You will be able to rely on your pill for contraception again at about the time that you are due to take your third pill.
If you are on a pill containing norethisterone or levonorgestrel, then you are taking a 3 hour pill. This means that the pill must be taken within 3 hours of the same time every day. If you are less than 3 hours late, then take the missed pill as soon as you remember and take your next one on time. You do not need to take extra precautions as the pill will still work, and you’ll be protected against pregnancy. If you are more than 3 hours late, then take your missed pill as soon as you remember it, take the next one on time and keep taking the pill. You may want to consider emergency contraception. You will not be protected until you have taken 2 more pills at the correct time and will need to use condoms when you have sex for those 2 days. You will be able to rely on your pill for contraception again at about the time that you are due to take your third pill.
Some reports suggest that there may be a very small increased risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer, but the pill does help protect against other types of cancers such as ovarian, colon and uterine cancers.
Yes, you can use the POP while breastfeeding.
Some reports suggest that there may be a very small increased risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer, but the pill does help protect against other types of cancers such as womb, colon and uterine cancers. There is no evidence to suggest the pill causes infertility. Most women who have regular periods will find that their normal cycle will return within 6 months. Some women find that their usual cycles begin again very quickly after stopping, but for others it can take longer.
You may sometimes be provided with or prescribed a different brand of pills, but the nurse or clinician will explain that the hormones and doses will be the same. The clinics are likely to stock the pill that was cheaper at the time.
When you stop using the POP your fertility will return to normal. (Don’t worry if your periods don’t start immediately, for some women it can take a few months.)
Some women may develop small fluid-filled cysts on their ovaries. These are not dangerous and do not usually need to be removed.
When you first start the pill you will usually be given 3 months supply to see how it suits you. After that you should go back to the doctor or nurse to get new supplies and to have your blood pressure checked. If there are no problems, you can be given up to a year’s supply of the pill.
Some medicines make the progestogen only pill less effective (including those used to treat epilepsy, HIV and TB, and the herbal medicine St John’s Wort). Ask your GP, clinician or pharmacist and read the information that comes with your medicine. The antibiotics rifampicin and rifabutin (which can be used to treat illnesses including tuberculosis and meningitis) can reduce the effectiveness of the progestogen only pill. Other antibiotics do not have this effect. If you are prescribed rifampicin or rifabutin, you may need additional contraception (such as condoms) while taking the antibiotic and for 28 days after. Always tell your doctor that you are taking the progestogen only pill if you are prescribed any medicines.
Yes, you can use the POP after having a baby.
You may not be able to take POP if you have or have had: heart disease or a stroke; disease of the liver; systemic lupus erythematosus or breast cancer. Speak to your GP or sexual health clinic about whether POP is right for you.
If you vomit within 2 hours of taking the progestogen only pill, it may not have been fully absorbed into your bloodstream. Take another pill straight away and the next pill at your usual time. If you don’t take the replacement within 3 hours (or 12 hours for the 12 hour pill) of your normal time, use additional contraception, such as condoms, for 2 days. If you continue to be sick, keep using another form of contraception while you're ill and for 2 days after recovering. Very severe diarrhoea (6 to 8 watery stools in 24 hours) may also mean that the pill doesn't work properly. Keep taking your pill as normal, but use additional contraception, such as condoms, while you have diarrhoea and for 2 days after recovering. Speak to your GP or contraception nurse or call NHS 111 for more information, or if your sickness or diarrhoea continues.
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