Progestin-Only Pills (POPs) FAQ

Progestin-only pills (POPs) are pills that are taken once a day to prevent pregnancy. POPs, unlike COCs, do not contain any estrogen.

• Thicken cervical mucus (make it hard for sperm to penetrate)
• Change endometrium (make implantation less likely)
• Partially inhibit ovulation (in 60% of cycles)

Women of any reproductive age or parity who:

• Want to use this method of contraception
• Cannot or should not take pills containing estrogen
• Are breastfeeding (POPs do not affect the amount or quality of breastmilk)

Women who have the following conditions (contraindications):

• Pregnancy
• Current breast cancer
• (For more information, see WHO eligibility criteria)

• Safe
• Effective, especially for breastfeeding women
• Do not interfere with intercourse
• Easy to discontinue
• Immediate return to fertility
• Have beneficial non-contraceptive effects

• Require very strict pill taking schedule (must be taken at the same time every day)
• Incorrect use is common
• Require re-supply
• Have common side effects
• No protection against STIs/HIV

More common:

• Breakthrough bleeding
• Spotting
• Irregular cycles

Less common:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Mood change
• Weight gain
• Acne
• Amenorrhea

• Any client concern
• Severe abdominal pain (warning sign for ectopic pregnancy)
• Common side effects

POPs DO NOT:

• Cause birth defects
• Cause infertility
• Require a "rest" period
• Generally decrease sex drive
• Build up in a woman's body