# The mini pill (progestogen-only pill)

> Oestrogen-free, taken every day, and a great option for lots of people.

Category: Contraception · 4 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/contraception/mini-pill

## Quick answer

- Progestogen only – suitable for many who can’t take oestrogen.
- Taken every day without breaks.
- Your late window is 3, 12 or 24 hours depending on type.
- Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect.

The progestogen-only pill (POP or mini pill) has just one [hormone](https://splash.care/learn/cycle-basics/hormones-explained), [Progestogen](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/progestogen). It’s a good option if you can’t take [oestrogen](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/oestrogen) – for example if you get migraines with [aura](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/aura), smoke and are over 35, or are breastfeeding. It’s over 99% effective with [perfect use](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/perfect-use) and 91% with [typical use](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/typical-use).

## How you take it

One pill every day, with no break between packs. Timing matters, and the window depends on the type:

- Traditional POP: within 3 hours of your usual time
- Desogestrel (e.g. Cerazette, Cerelle): within 12 hours
- Drospirenone (e.g. Slynd): within 24 hours

## Starting it

- Traditional or desogestrel started on days 1–5 of your period: protected straight away. Later: use condoms for 2 days.
- Drospirenone started on day 1: protected straight away. Later: use condoms for 7 days.

## What to expect

Periods can become lighter, more frequent, [irregular](https://splash.care/learn/cycle-basics/irregular-cycles) or stop altogether, and [spotting](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/spotting) is common. Some people [report](https://splash.care/features/doctor-report) [acne](https://splash.care/learn/body-literacy/acne-skin), [mood swings](https://splash.care/learn/mind-mood/why-mood-shifts), weight changes or [libido](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/libido) changes, but the NHS says there isn’t enough evidence to say the pill causes them.

> **Splash says:** set a daily phone alarm and log it in the app – the pill tracker is your best friend with a 3-hour pill!

### When to see a doctor

See a GP or sexual health clinic if bleeding changes are bothering you, if you have severe lower tummy pain (rarely, ovarian cysts or an ectopic pregnancy), or if you think you might be pregnant.

> Only condoms (external and internal) help protect against STIs. Every other method on this page prevents pregnancy only.

## Sources

1. [NHS – What is the progestogen-only pill?](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/progestogen-only-pill/what-is-it/)
2. [NHS – How to take the progestogen-only pill](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/progestogen-only-pill/how-to-take-it/)
3. [NHS – Side effects and risks of the progestogen-only pill](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/progestogen-only-pill/side-effects-and-risks/)
4. [ACOG – Progestin-only hormonal birth control: pill and injection](https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/progestin-only-hormonal-birth-control-pill-and-injection)

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).