1. Progesterone Only Pills (POPS)

2. Mechanism of action POPs do not contain oestrogen
Thicken cervical mucus making it hard for sperm to reach the egg
Partially inhibit ovulation (in 50% of cycles) 2

3. Who can use POPs Women of any reproductive age or parity who:
Want to use this method of contraception
Cannot or should not take pills containing estrogen
Are breastfeeding (POPs do not suppress breast milk production) 3

4. Who should not use POPs Suspected pregnancy Current breast cancer
Liver disease
Women suffering from deep venous thrombosis (DVT) 4

5. Advantages Safe Effective, especially for breastfeeding women
Have no effect on breast milk
Easy to discontinue
Immediate return to fertility 5

6. Disadvantages
Slightly lower level of contraceptive protection than COCs
Requires strict daily pill taking, preferably at the same time
Does not protect one against STIs and HIV/AIDS
Side effects include
Irregular spotting or bleeding, irregular cycles
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Headache