Progestogen-Only Pill (POP, or mini-Pill)
The POP has one hormone in it, progestogen.
- It works by not letting the sperm get through to the ovum. In some women it also stops the ovum being released.
- The POP is used for women who are breastfeeding or who can't take the regular pill for medical reasons.
- The POP does not interfere with milk supply. Research has shown that the amount of hormone that might pass through the breast milk is extremely low, and will not harm the baby.
- It is less likely to cause nausea, weight gain or headaches than the combined Pill.
The POP is about 95-98% effective in preventing pregnancy. The POP does not give you any protection from STIs.
Just like the Pill, tummy upsets and other medications can clash with the POP, so you might not be protected. If a pill is taken more than three hours late, there is a risk of pregnancy, so other forms of contraception should be used.
Possible side effects are changes to your periods, such as spotting, irregular periods, not having periods or getting heavy periods.