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THE PROGESTOGEN

-ONLY PILL

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COMBINED PILL AND MINI PILL (PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL)?

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?

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?

No. Fertility returns as soon as you stop taking the progestogen-only pill.

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PREPARING FOR YOUR GP APPOINTMENT

TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR

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PP-UN-WHC-GB-0299 July 2025