Progestogen-Only Pill (POP, mini-pill)

There are two main types of pill which vary in hormone content and the way they work. The most widely used are the combined pills which have two hormones, oestrogen and progestogen.

There are also pills which have progestogen only and no oestrogen.

This fact sheet is about the progestogen-only pill. See fact sheet 1 for information on the combined pill.

Progestogen-only pills usually work by thickening the cervical mucus (fluid at the neck of the womb). Less often, they prevent ovulation (release of an egg). The hormones in the pills also thin the lining of the womb, hence make it less likely to accept the fertilised egg.

Taking the pill daily at approximately the same time maintains the level of hormone that is needed to prevent pregnancy.

As with any contraceptive its effectiveness depends on how well the instructions are followed. With perfect use the progestogen-only pill is 99% effective meaning that less than 1 woman in 100 will become pregnant in a year. But with less careful and consistent use, more women will get pregnant.

This pill is even more effective in women over 40 years of age, because of naturally decreased fertility.

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