mini pill

progestogen only contraception (POP) - Mini Pill

Reliability
Depends on the individual taking it properly.
99% effective.
One woman in 100 will get pregnant a year.

How it works
One pill containing hormone progestogen taken at the same time every day:

• makes it difficult for sperm to enter womb by thickening mucus at entrance to womb
• makes it difficult for fertilised egg to settle in womb by making its lining thin
• stops ovulation in some women.

Possible Side Effects

• irregular bleeding / no bleeding
• mood swings / bloating / greasy skin / breast tenderness

Advantages / Benefits

• reliable if taken properly.
• can be used for women who are not suitable for coc

Suitability

• for breast feeding women
• for women who suffer a certain type of migraine
• for women who have had thrombosis
• for smokers over the age of 35
• for most older women
• less suitable for younger women
• not for people with difficulty remembering pills

Who can provide it?
GP or Family Planning Service

Comments
less effective:

• if over 70 kg (11 stone)

not effective:

• if a pill is taken three hours late
• after vomiting or severe diarrhoea
• after some other drugs