what is progesterone only pill

The progestogen-only pill, also known as the mini-pill, is a type of birth control pill that contains only progestin hormone and no estrogen. It works by thickening the mucus in the cervix, which stops sperm from reaching an egg, and can also stop ovulation, depending on the type of progestogen-only pill taken. The traditional progestogen-only pill prevents pregnancy by thickening the mucus in the cervix to stop sperm reaching an egg, while the desogestrel progestogen-only pill can also stop ovulation. The progestogen-only pill needs to be taken every day at the same time to work effectively. If taken correctly, it is more than 99% effective, meaning fewer than 1 in 100 women who use the progestogen-only pill as contraception will get pregnant in 1 year. However, with "typical use" of the progestogen-only pill, it is only about 91% effective. The progestogen-only pill can be used by women who cannot use contraception that contains estrogen, such as those who have high blood pressure, have had previous blood clots, are overweight, or smoke after the age of 35. Some side effects of the progestogen-only pill may include irregular periods, breast tenderness, and spotty skin, but these should clear up within a few months.