Join our mailing list to get regular email updates and info on what we're up to!
If you are under 18, please make sure you have your parents’ permission before providing us with any personal details.
The progestogen-only pill, sometimes called ‘the ‘mini-pill’ or the POP, prevents pregnancy by using the hormone progestogen.
Contains progestogen
Can help with feeling low or anxious
No protection against STIs
Others may see you take the pill
Periods may become irregular, lighter, less painful, or stop altogether
Lasts as long as you take it
Can cause acne
More than 99% effective if used without mistakes
Can buy over the counter from some pharmacies or get a prescription from a doctor or nurse. You may have to use additional contraception for two days depending where you are in your cycle when you first start taking it.
Remembering to take a pill every day
The mini pill prevents pregnancy in two ways:
You may not have regular periods while taking the progestogen-only pill, and you may experience spotting between periods. Periods can become lighter or more frequent. It is also possible for your periods to stop altogether.
The progestogen-only pill is available free of charge from a range or services including contraceptive clinics, your GP, Brook and some pharmacies. You can also buy the mini pill from pharmacies without a prescription.
Contraception and sexual health services such as Brook are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16. Health professionals work to strict guidelines and won’t tell anyone else about your visit unless they believe you’re at serious risk of immediate harm. Find out more about Brook’s confidentiality policy.
When you get the progestogen-only pill from a clinic or pharmacy, an appointment will typically include:
You won’t be required to have an internal or breast examination for the progestogen-only pill.
When you first start the progestogen-only pill, you will usually be given a three month supply. Follow up appointments and reviews are then usually every 6-12 months providing there are no issues.
If you start taking the progestogen-only pill in the first five days of your period, you will be protected against pregnancy straight away.
If you have a short menstrual cycle, where your period is normally 23 days or less, starting on the fifth day of your period may mean you are not immediately protected (because you might ovulate early). You therefore need to use additional contraception, such as condoms, for the first two days.
If you start taking the pill at any other time in your menstrual cycle, it will take two days before it starts to work. So you’ll need to use condoms for the first two days.
It’s possible to start on the progestogen-only pill after giving birth, a miscarriage or abortion but when it is safe to start on this method does vary.
You can start on the progestogen-only pill any time after birth. If you start within the first three weeks (before day 21 after birth) you are protected from pregnancy immediately. If 21 days or later, you will need to use additional contraception for the first two days of taking the progestogen-only pill. It is safe to use while breastfeeding.
If you start on the progestogen-only pill within five days of the abortion of miscarriage you are protected from pregnancy straight away.Any later than day five and you will need to use additional contraception for the first two days.
It’s best if you get into a habit of taking the pill at the same time every day meaning you’re less likely to forget.
When you take the pill also affects how effective it is depending on which type of progestogen-only pill you have:
Contains the progestogen hormone levonorgestrel or norethisterone. These must be taken within three hours of the same time each day. It is this type that is referred to as the ‘mini pill’. Examples are Femulen, Micronor, Norgeston and Noriday.
This must be taken within 12 hours of the same time each day. Contains desogestrel (such as Cerazette).
advice
If you stop taking the progestogen-only pill but don’t want to become pregnant remember to use another method of contraception. Condoms will also protect against STIs.
You may experience some side effects of taking the progestogen-only pill in the first couple of months but these tend to be short-term. This is why, if you can, it’s best to trial a contraception method for at least three months before deciding it’s not for you.
There are different types of progestogen-only pill so you might find that another type of progestogen-only pill will suit you better. It’s a good idea to talk to a medical professional to discuss your options.
The combined pill contains oestrogen and progestogen whereas the progestogen-only pill only contains progestogen. This means they affect your period, mood and skin differently.
The combined pill is generally taken every day for three weeks and then you have a week’s break in which you have a withdrawal bleed that is like a period. Whereas, you take the progestogen-only pill every day and your periods may stop altogether or become irregular.
The combined pill isn’t suitable for everyone and the progestogen-only pill tends to be a good alternative if you cannot take the combined pill. However, it’s best to talk to your GP about your individual case.
Different contraceptive methods affect people differently. It is possible that contraception may increase or decrease your libido.
If this happens and you don’t like it, you can always stop and try another method. It’s all about finding the method that works for you.
For some, being on contraception in itself helps increase their libido as they have reduced anxiety around having sex knowing that they are protected from pregnancy.
More FAQs
100% free & confidential