There are two types of progestogen-only pill. 

  • The traditional progestogen-only pill (POP) works by thickening the mucus in the entrance to the womb (the cervix) to stop sperm reaching an egg.
  • The desogestrel progestogen-only pill acts in the same way, but it can also stop you releasing an egg (ovulating). 

Take it every day with no break between packs of pills. 

You need to take it at the same time every day. If you take the traditional progestogen-only pill more than 3 hours late, or the desogestrel pill more than 12 hours late, it might not work. 

If you miss a pill, what to do next depends on how long you’ve left it and whether you’ve had sex. Always follow the instructions that come with your pill and get in touch with us, your GP or a nurse if you have any questions or worries.   

Most women can take the progestogen-only pill. It’s a good option if you cannot use contraception that contains oestrogen, such as the combined pill or contraceptive patch. 

Some medicines can stop the progestogen-only pill working. Talk to your GP or nurse if you take other medication or are prescribed something while you’re on the mini pill. 

The progestogen-only pill works very well if you take it as you should. It can be tricky to take it at the same time every day, though. If you have a busy or varied schedule, it might not be the best option.

Taking your first pill at a convenient time can help get you off to a good start. Set a daily alarm to remind you, or stick a note to your bathroom mirror. 

The progestogen-only pill might not be safe for you if: 

  • you have heart disease
  • you have had a stroke
  • you have liver disease, severe cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver tumours
  • you have ever had breast cancer

Pros: 

  • Your periods may stop or become lighter.
  • It’s safe if you’re breastfeeding. 
  • It should not take too long for your fertility to return to normal after stopping it.
  • Unlike the combined pill, you can take it if you are 35 or older and you smoke. 
  • Side effects are rare and often serious.

Cons:

  • Taking it at the same time every day is hard, for example if you work shifts. 
  • If you’re sick or have diarrhoea it might not work. 
  • Your periods could get irregular or more frequent.
  • You could get side effects, such as spotty skin and breast pain, though these should go within a few months.
  • You will still need to use condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

You can get the progestogen-only pill from sexual health clinics, contraception clinics and most GP surgeries.  

Use our service finder or ring our information and booking line on 0800 328 3383.  

If you are 16 or older, you can also order the contraceptive pill online through SH:24. You will be asked some online health questions. These are to make sure the progestogen-only pill will be safe for you. You can also speak to a clinician if you have any questions. 

Once SH:24 has approved your prescription, they will post a 3-month supply of the progestogen-only pill out on the same day (if you order before 2pm), or the next working day, through first class post. You will not have to sign for the package and it will fit through your letterbox.

If you need the contraceptive pill quickly, you can get it from a nearby pharmacy without seeing a doctor or nurse. It’s free and easy, and they will let your GP know you’ve got the pill if you say it’s ok.

To find a pharmacy near you that offers this service, head to the NHS Pharmacy First Finder.

The progestogen-only pill or mini pill can stop you getting pregnant if you take it every day at the same time. When it’s taken right, fewer than 1 in 100 women who use it for contraception will get pregnant in any 1 year. 

The mini pill contains progestogen, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. It is an alternative to the combined pill, which also contains an artificial version of oestrogen.