Progestogen-Only Pill (POP)

The Progestogen-Only Pill, also known as the mini-pill, is a type of oral contraceptive that contains only progestogen, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone.

How it Works

The POP works by:

• Thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg
• Preventing ovulation in some women
• Changing the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg

Benefits

The benefits of using the POP include:

• High effectiveness in preventing pregnancy when taken correctly
• No estrogen, making it suitable for women who are breastfeeding or have certain health conditions
• Reduced risk of blood clots and stroke compared to combined oral contraceptives
• May help with menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding

Types of Progestogen-Only Pills

There are several types of POPs available, including:

• Norethindrone (e.g., Micronor, Nor-QD)
• Levonorgestrel (e.g., Plan B, Next Choice)
• Desogestrel (e.g., Cerazette)

Side Effects

Common side effects of the POP include:

• Irregular menstrual bleeding or spotting
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Breast tenderness
• Mood changes

Contraindications

The POP is not suitable for women with certain health conditions, including:

• Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
• Current or past breast cancer
• Liver disease or liver tumors

Interactions with Other Medications

Certain medications can interact with the POP, including:

• Antibiotics (e.g., rifampicin, griseofulvin)
• Anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine)
• Barbiturates

Effectiveness

The POP is highly effective in preventing pregnancy when taken correctly, with a failure rate of less than 1%.

Missed Pills

If a pill is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible, and the next pill should be taken at the usual time.