THE PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL (POP)

This pill contains a progestogen hormone, which is similar to the natural progesterone women produce in their ovaries. Progestogen-only pills are different to combined pills because they do not contain any oestrogen.

If taken according to instructions it is 99% effective. This means that 1 women in 100 will get pregnant in a year.

If not taken according to instructions, more women will become pregnant.

This pill may be less effective in women who weigh over 70kg (11 stone).

The pill works in a number of ways.

• It works mainly by thickening the mucus from your cervix and so stops sperm meeting an egg.
• It sometimes stops your ovaries releasing an egg.
• It makes the lining of your womb thinner so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg.

Advantages of the POP

There are several advantages of taking the progestron-only pill.

• The pill doesn't interfere with sex.
• you can use it if you are breastfeeding.
• It is useful if you cannot take oestrogens, like those found in the combined pill.

You ca use it at any age, but it is especially useful if you are over 35 and you smoke, or you are at risk from heart disease or strokes and so cannot use the combined pill.