Progestogen-only pill (mini-pill)
The progestogen-only pill (also known as the mini-pill or POP) is a contraceptive pill that contains just one hormone – progestogen.
It’s a pill that you take every day and, when taken correctly, it’s an effective way of preventing pregnancy.
- You take the progestogen-only pill every day with no break, at roughly the same time each day (you have a 12-hour window).
- When you start the mini-pill, it takes 2 days to start working – by day 3, you’re protected.
- If you miss a pill, take one as soon as you remember, then take the next one at the usual time. Please note, it’s best to use additional protection e.g. condoms for two days after a missed pill.
- The progestogen-only pill is safe to use while breastfeeding.
- Side effects like nausea or sore breasts can happen at first but usually settle.
- The progestogen-only pill can make bleeding lighter or stop it altogether. Irregular bleeding is common at first but often improves over time.
- Vomiting or diarrhoea can affect how well the progestogen-only pill works.
- The progestogen-only pill does NOT protect against STIs – so you still need condoms.
Oral contraception is free from NHS services.
You can get the progestogen-only pill from:
- Sexual health clinics
- GPs
- Community pharmacies – for more information on this service click here
- Online services
Pharmacists can help with:
- starting oral contraception for the first time
- restarting oral contraception following a pill-free break
- your ongoing supply
- emergency contraception (you may need to check that the pharmacist is there before visiting)
You do not need to be registered with a GP to access this service.
To find your local contraception services use our find a service tool.
