Contraception

The progestogen-only pill (POP) is commonly referred to as “the mini pill”. It contains one hormone (progestogen) which is similar to the natural hormone progesterone which is produced by the ovaries.

POPs contain different types of progestogens. The type of progestogen in the POP will determine how it works and the rules for pill-taking. The most commonly prescribed POP contains the hormone “Desogestrel”.

The POP works in a number of ways:

• The main action of Desogestrel POPs is to stop your ovaries releasing an egg (ovulation)
• All POPs work by thickening the mucus from your cervix. This makes it difficult for sperm to move through it and reach an egg
• All POPs make the lining of your uterus (womb) thinner, so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg

If taken according to instructions, the POP is over 99% effective. This means that less than one woman in 100 will get pregnant in a year.

Please see here for further information on the progestogen-only pill: https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/progestogen-only-pill/