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Progestogen-only pill

The progestogen-only pill (POP) is sometimes called the mini-pill. It is a form of contraception that is taken orally (by mouth) every day. It stops you getting pregnant when you have sex.

Unlike the combined contraceptive pill, the progestogen-only pill contains only one type of hormone (progestogen). The combined contraceptive pill contains the hormone oestrogen as well as progestogen. Both hormones are found naturally in the female body. They control the menstrual cycle and prepare the body for pregnancy.

There are few different types of progestogen-only pill. If they are taken according to the instructions, the progestogen-only pill is 99% effective in stopping you from getting pregnant. This means that 1 woman in 100 who take the progestogen-only pill will get pregnant in a year.

You can get the progestogen-only pill from your GP, from doctors and nurses at family planning clinics, or from sexual health (GUM) clinics.

• What is it used for?
• How does it work?
• Who can use it?
• Advantages
• Disadvantages
• Complications

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