POPs are a useful alternative for many women who want to use oral contraceptives (OCs) but for whom COCs are not appropriate.

Women should be informed of the advantages and disadvantages of POPs, especially that POPs need to be used consistently and correctly to provide effective pregnancy protection (e.g., the pill should be taken at the same time each day) and that POPs often cause irregular menstrual bleeding. Unless a woman is breastfeeding, a back-up method of contraception should be used if a POP is taken more than three hours after her regularly scheduled time (See Question 7e).

1. McCann MF, Potter LS. Progestin-only oral contraception: a comprehensive review. Contraception 1994;50(6).