Progestogen-only pill - meaning and definition
Alsomini pillminipillprogestin-only pillPOPprogesterone only pillprogestin pill
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
The progestogen-only pill is a daily contraceptive tablet containing only a progestogen hormone, taken every day without a break.
At a glance
- It contains only a progestogen, with no estrogen.
- It is taken every day without a break between packs.
- It can often be used by people who cannot take estrogen, including many who are breastfeeding.
- Some types must be taken within a three-hour window each day; others allow up to twelve hours.
- Irregular bleeding is a common side effect, especially in the first few months.
In detail
Because it contains no estrogen, the progestogen-only pill can often be used by people who cannot take the combined pill, including those who are breastfeeding, who smoke and are over 35, or who have a higher risk of blood clots.
Depending on the type, it works by thickening cervical mucus, thinning the lining of the uterus and, for some formulations, stopping ovulation. Some types must be taken within a three-hour window each day, while others allow up to twelve hours.
Irregular bleeding is a common side effect, especially in the first few months. With perfect use it is more than 99% effective; with typical use it is around 91% effective.
In a sentence
- My doctor suggested the progestogen-only pill while I'm breastfeeding.
- She set a daily phone alarm because her progestogen-only pill has a short window.
Not to be confused with
- Combined pill
The combined pill contains an estrogen as well as a progestogen.
Common questions
Is the mini pill the same as the progestogen-only pill?
Yes. "Mini pill" is a common nickname for the progestogen-only pill, also called the POP.
How effective is the progestogen-only pill?
With perfect use it is more than 99% effective, and with typical use around 91% effective. How strict the daily timing window is depends on the type, so checking the leaflet for a specific brand matters.