On Point with the POP: Your Go-To Guide for the Progesterone-Only Pill

Nikitaa Kewalramani
Jun 2
4 min read

Updated: Jun 3

So, you’ve probably heard about birth control, but what’s the Progesterone -Only Pill all about? Also known as the mini-pill, this is a type of hormonal birth control that helps prevent pregnancy by using a hormone called progesterone. It’s small, easy to take, and super effective when used correctly! If you’re curious about how it works, how to take it, and what to expect, keep reading - it’s not as complicated as it sounds!

What is it?

The progesterone only pill contains progestin, a hormone that is similar to the one your body makes naturally. Progesterone is a hormone involved in the menstrual cycle. There are a few different types of progestins used for birth control: norethindrone, norgestrel, and drospirenone. They have a few differences but work similarly. Norgestrel is available over the counter, meaning you can buy it without a prescription from a health care provider!

How Does It Work?

It helps prevent pregnancy in three main ways:

It makes the inside of the uterus less welcoming. The uterus (where a baby would normally grow) gets a thinner inner lining, making it hard for a fertilized egg to settle in and develop.
It creates a barrier with thick mucus. At the cervix (the small opening between the uterus and the vagina), the pill causes the mucus to become thicker and stickier. This makes it difficult for sperm to swim and reach an egg.
It tricks your body into skipping ovulation. This means your body acts like it’s already pregnant, so it doesn’t release an egg from the ovary. No egg = no chance for sperm to fertilize it. This doesn't happen all the time for everyone and sometimes people can still ovulate with the progesterone only pill.

How Effective Is It?

If taken perfectly (same time every day), it’s over 99% effective. That means fewer than 1 in 100 people will get pregnant in a year.

But if you forget or take it late, it becomes less effective, around 91-93% . Then, you might need to use a condom during intercourse to stay protected.

Norethindrone and norgestrel take 2 days to start working and drospirenone takes 7 days. You need to avoid sex, use a condom, or take emergency contraception during this time to prevent pregnancy.

What to Do If You Take the Mini-Pill Late or Miss a Dose

Because this method only contains progesterone, it does not last your body as long as some other birth control options. So this method has to be taken EVERY DAY, AT THE SAME TIME. Missing a dose by 3 hours or more will make it less effective. If you miss taking the pill 3 hours later than scheduled, take it as soon as you can! Then, for the next 2 days, use another type of birth control (condoms) to stay protected from pregnancy.

Missed One Pill?

If you forgot to take the previous day's pill, take it as soon as you can! Then, still take today’s pill at the regular time, even if that means you take two pills on the same day. Be sure to use back-up birth control (like a condom) for the next 2 days.

Missed Two or More Pills?

If you skip 2 or more pills in a row, the mini-pill might not protect you at all. Restart your pills as soon as possible and take 1 pills per day to get back on track! Taking them for at least 7 days consistently is recommended.

Had Unprotected Sex After Missing Pills?

If you had sex without extra protection after missing pills, you might need emergency contraception to help prevent pregnancy. Emergency contraception works best when taken within 5 days of unprotected sex-but the sooner, the better! Be careful with taking Ella (ulipristal) because it can mess with how well progesterone only pill works.

Possible Side Effects

Not everyone get side effects, but some people might experience:

Acne
Headaches
Sore breasts or chest
Feeling tired or dizzy
Mood changes (feeling sad or irritable)
Upset stomach (nausea)
Lower sex drive
Small cysts (fluid-filled lumps) on the ovaries
Extra hair on the face or body

What about periods? You could experience:

Get no period at all
Bleed less than usual
Have spotting (light bleeding)
Get periods at random times

These changes are normal and not dangerous at all!

Important Things to Know

Take it at the same time every day! Even a delay of a few hours can make it less reliable.
Missed a pill? Take it as soon as you remember. If it’s more than three hours late, use a backup method (like a condom) for 48 hours.
To get on birth control, you need a prescription from a doctor, nurse, or clinic.
It does not protect you from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs).

Summary:

Remember, the Progestogen-Only Pill is a reliable and easy way to prevent pregnancy when taken correctly every day at the same time. Always talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions or need advice about birth control options. Taking care of your body and making informed choices is the best way to stay safe and healthy!