Progestogen only pills (POP or Mini Pill)

The progestogen only pill (also known as POP) is a daily tablet. The progestogen only pill contains the hormone progestogen. Progestogen is similar to the hormone produced by the ovaries.

Progestogen only pills which have the progestogen levonorgestrel (brand name Microlut) or norethisterone (brand name Noriday) are sometimes also called the mini pill. These pills have 28 hormone pills with no sugar pills.

A newer progestogen only pill which has the progestogen hormone drospirenone (brand name Slinda) has 24 hormone pills and 4 sugar pills.

If used correctly the progestogen only pills can be over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. If you miss a pill, vomit within 3 hours of taking a pill, have severe diarrhoea or take certain medications, it might only be 93% effective

The progestogen only pills containing levonorgestrel or norethisterone need to be taken at the same time each day. If either of these pills are taken 3 or more hours late, it will not work correctly.

If the progestogen only pill with drospirenone is 24 or more hours late then it will not work correctly.

The progestogen only pill works by thickening the fluid around the cervix (opening to the uterus/womb). This helps to prevent sperm from entering.

You take it by swallowing 1 pill (tablet) around the same time every day. It may be helpful to take the progestogen only pill at the same time you do another activity every day (such as cleaning your teeth) or you could enter a reminder into your phone. Once you have taken all the pills in a packet, you start a new packet.

When you start the progestogen only pill for the first time or after a break it can take up to 7 days to start working to prevent pregnancy. This depends on the timing of your menstrual cycle, which progestogen only pill you are using and if you are already using contraception. Speak with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for more information.  

Your doctor or nurse will provide a script which you can take to the pharmacy, who will sell you the progestogen only pill. All progestogen only pills will be cheaper if you have a healthcare card.

The progestogen only pill might not work if:

• it is taken more than 3 hours late for the pills containing levonorgestrel (Microlut) or norethisterone (Noriday)
• it is taken more than 24 hours late for the pill containing drospirenone (Slinda)
• you vomit within 3 hours of taking it
• you have very severe diarrhoea
• you are taking some medications or natural remedies (check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist).

• It starts working quickly.
• It is a low dose of hormone.
• It can be used while breast feeding.
• Once stopped your fertility quickly returns to what is normal for you.
• It is another contraceptive option if you have difficulty taking the hormone oestrogen. The Pill (combined pill or oral contraceptive pill) and vaginal ring (NuvaRing) contain oestrogen and progestogen. The progestogen only pill only contains progestogen.

Possible side effects for a small number of users can include:

• irregular vaginal bleeding
• sore/ tender breasts
• headaches
• changes to your skin
• mood changes.

These side effects often settle with time. The progestogen only pill has not been shown to cause weight gain.

There are no known serious health risks from taking the progestogen only pill.

• Find taking or remembering a daily tablet difficult.
• Are taking certain types of medication which might stop the progestogen only pill from working (check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist).
• Have breast cancer or have been treated for breast cancer.
• Have severe liver disease.

Progestogen only pills with levonorgestrel or norethisterone:

• Take the missed pill as soon as you notice (this may mean taking 2 pills on the same day).
• Continue to take your pills as normal.
• Abstain from sex or use condoms for the next 3 days.
• If you have had sex without a condom since you missed your pill, you may need emergency contraception (check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist).

Progestogen only pills with drospirenone:

• Take the missed pill as soon as you notice (this may mean taking 2 pills on the same day).
• Continue to take your pills as normal.
• Abstain from sex or use condoms for the next 7 days.
• If you have had sex without a condom since you missed your pill, you may need emergency contraception or to skip the sugar pills and start a new pill pack in the hormone section. This depends on where you are up to in the pill packet (check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist).

The progestogen only pill will not harm the pregnancy. It is safe to continue the pregnancy (and stop the progestogen only pill) or to have an abortion.

You can start the progestogen only pill straight after you give birth, even if you are breastfeeding.

You can stop the progestogen only pill at any time and your fertility will quickly return to what is normal for you.

• Sexual Health Victoria
• A doctor or nurse
• Your local community health service
• An obstetrician or gynaecologist
• 1800 My Options phone line 1800 696 784 or website
• Better Health Channel
• Equinox – for transgender services
• Jean Hailes
• Marie Stopes Australia
• Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health
• The Women’s (The Royal Women’s Hospital)