Progestogen-only pill (mini pill or POP)

​The progestogen-only pill (sometimes called the “mini-pill” or the POP) is a type of female contraception that prevents pregnancy. The main ingredient in it, progestogen, is a hormone similar to that produced in women’s ovaries.

Here are some key facts:

• It protects against pregnancy but not sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To protect against STIs you will also need to use a barrier method of contraception, such as condoms
• It is typically 91% effective
• There are many different brands
• You take the POP every day, with no break between packs
• You need to take the POP around the same time every day
• There is a newer type of POP called drosperinone (Slynd) which is a different type of progestogen, you still take this pill every day but the packet contains some placebo pills which do not contain any hormones
• When taking the POP your periods may become lighter, irregular, or they may stop altogether, this is normal
• There are things that can affect how effective it is (such as vomiting, diarrhoea and other medications)
• Occasionally some people experience hormonal side effects with hormonal contraception, for most people these will settle after three months of use but seek advice if you are concerned

You can get the contraceptive pill from Umbrella clinics and pharmacies, and GPs can prescribe the pill for you. For advice about missed pills, please see the contraception FAQs.