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Progestogen Only Pill (POP)

If you have just had a baby, you can use the progestogen-only pills immediately if you wish. Your healthcare team can give you a supply of pills before leaving the hospital. 

This method suits women who want to take pills but cannot have oestrogen. The pills are taken every day and contain one hormone. 

There are two kinds of progestogen-only pill:

  • The traditional ones that thicken cervical mucus and stop sperm reaching the egg.
  • The newer ones that keep the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation).

If taken correctly, it can be more than 99% effective. This means that fewer than 1 in 100 women who use the progestogen-only pill as contraception will get pregnant in a year.

Advantages:

  • It is suitable for breastfeeding women.
  • You can start immediately after birth. 
  • It is safe for women who cannot have oestrogen.
  • It can reduce your menstrual flow or stop your periods altogether. 
  • You take the pill everyday; no break between packs.
  • You can take the POP even if over 35 & smoke.

Disadvantages: 

  • You must take the POP at the same time everyday.
  • If you are sick (vomit) or have severe diarrhoea, the POP may not work. 
  • You may have irregular bleeding. 
  • You are not protected against STIs.
  • Typical use of POP is 91% the way it is taken in real life by women. 
  • You may have some side effects such as breast-tenderness or spotty skin. These should clear up after a period of use.