Information for Progestin-only Pills (POP)
POPs contain only a progestin hormone and no estrogen. The POP is approximately 92 percent to 99 percent effective if correctly taken daily. There are 2 types of progestin only pills available by prescription: norethindrone which involves daily pill taking with no hormone-free breaks and drosperinone which consists of 24 daily pills followed by 4 hormone-free days. There is a norgestrel containing pill available without a prescription.
BENEFITS:
- No estrogen effects
- Less pelvic inflammatory disease
- Shorter periods with lighter flow
- Less endometrial cancer
- Fewer menstrual cramps
- May be used if breastfeeding
- Fewer PMS symptoms
RISKS/SIDE EFFECTS (You may have the following side effects):
- Menstrual cycle changes
- Occasional spotting and/or no period
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Mood Changes
Progestin-Only Pills are not recommended if:
- There is a chance you are pregnant
- You have a malabsorption condition (bariatric surgery)
- You have breast cancer
- You have abnormal or unexplained vaginal bleeding that has not been diagnosed
- You have been taking certain drugs for tuberculosis or seizures
- You have liver tumors or liver disease
- You have ever had an allergic reaction to any of the components of this medication
ALTERNATIVES: You have received information about the other methods of birth control available. For situations of suspected contraception failure, emergency contraception is available and offers a second chance to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy.
INSTRUCTIONS: This instruction sheet provides information on how to use the POP and how it differs from other birth control pills.
The pill does not protect you against STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and HIV.
You have received information about the progestin-only (POP) pills. If you take your norethindrone containing pill late (even three hours), you risk becoming pregnant.
DECISION TO STOP:
You have the right to stop taking birth control pills at any time. A woman is most likely to become pregnant if she or her partner are not using a method of birth control.
QUESTIONS:
You may ask questions about birth control pills at any time and may contact the clinic with further questions.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING PROGESTIN-ONLY ORAL CONTRACEPTION
Have a backup method of birth control (such as foam, condoms or emergency contraception) on hand. A backup method (or avoiding sexual activity) is needed:
- While you are waiting to start the pills.
- Your first two days (48 hours) starting on the pills.
- If you miss a norethindrone containing pill by more than three hours from regular time (use a backup method for 48 hours).
There are three satisfactory ways to start taking your POP. You should discuss with your medical provider which approach would be best for you:
- Start the first day of your menstrual period.
- Start today if you are certain you aren’t pregnant, using a backup method every time you have sex during the next 48 hours.
- If you have a miscarriage or abortion, you can start the POP the next day.
Take a pill every day at the same time. When you finish one pack of pills, start on a new pack the next day. There is no break between packs.
Take your pills with an established habit such as brushing your teeth or eating a meal. This may help you remember to take your pill every day.
If you are more than three hours late or miss one POP, take the missed pill as soon as you remember. Then go back to taking your pills regularly but be sure to use a backup method every time you have sex for the next 48 hours.
If you miss two or more pills, there is a good chance you could become pregnant. Start using your backup method of birth control immediately. If you forget two pills, take two at once and two the next day. Use backup method for 48 hours
Keep track of your periods. If you have more than 60 days without a period, notify the clinic or your provider to arrange for a pregnancy test but continue taking your pills.
You may have some bleeding or spotting between periods but continue taking your pills. If the bleeding is heavy or if you have cramps, pain or a fever: see your health-care provider. Bleeding is common during the first few months you are on the POP. You may not have a period while using POPs because there is no pill-free interval, and all pills have hormones.
Your period may become irregular. While many women on minipill have normal periods, others have irregular periods, spotting between periods, or no periods at all.
If you are ill or have vomiting or diarrhea, use your backup method of birth control along with your POP for 48 hours after your illness is over. Your illness or any medication(s) you might take can interfere with the effectiveness of the pill. Inform your doctor that you are on the pill.
Notify your healthcare provider if you have severe lower abdominal pain while on the POP. Abdominal pain could be a cyst or ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. Don’t stop taking your pills but contact your clinic right away.
If you notice any mood changes: depression, irritability, change in sex drive, etc. -- call the clinic right away.
If you experience abdominal pain, don’t stop taking pills and contact your provider right away. It may be due ovarian cyst or ectopic pregnancy.
Contact your provider if you experience repeated and very severe headaches.
Contact your provider if you develop severe leg or arm pain or numbness.
Be sure to read all the information you have received about POPs.
Last Reviewed: November 2024