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- MENSTRUAL HEALTH
- CONTRACEPTION
- MENOPAUSE FAQSTALK MENOPAUSE
THE PROGESTOGEN
-ONLY PILL
- WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COMBINED PILL AND MINI PILL (PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL)?expand_less
The combined oral contraceptive pill contains both oestrogen and progestogen whereas the progestogen-only pill, also known as the mini pill, only contains progestogen. Whilst users of the combined pill have the option to have a 7-day break for a bleed, the mini pill must be taken every day.
- DO I REALLY NEED TO TAKE MY POP AT THE SAME TIME EACH DAY?expand_more
The modern desogestrel progestogen-only pill can be taken up to 12 hours late, with no loss of effectiveness. Older POPs have to be taken within 3 hours of the usual time. Check the product information leaflet in your pill packet for more details on how to take it.
- DOES BEING ON THE PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL DECREASE FERTILITY?expand_more
No. Fertility returns as soon as you stop taking the progestogen-only pill.
PREPARING FOR YOUR GP APPOINTMENT
TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR
Get the information you need for an informed discussion with your doctor.
PP-UN-WHC-GB-0299 July 2025