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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.

    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.

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

PP-UN-WHC-GB-0299 July 2025