POPs are very safe, have few side effects
Blaney, C.L.
Network 15(4): 10-15
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0270-3637 PMID: 12289826 Document Number: 290990
Though not as well known or widely used as combined oral contraceptives, progestin-only pills (POPs) are very safe, highly effective when used as directed, and cause a smaller range of side effects than combined pills. POPs are also known as mini-pills or progestin-only contraceptives (POCs). Combined pills are not recommended for breastfeeding women because the estrogen in them affects lactation. POPs, however, contain no estrogen and have a smaller amount of progestin than combined pills. They are therefore particularly suitable for women seeking a hormonal method who are breastfeeding and those who cannot tolerate estrogen. POPs have the added advantage of being fully controlled by users, which is not the case for other progestin-only methods. On the down side, POPs are somewhat less effective, must be taken within three hours of the same time every day to be most effective, and frequently cause irregular menstrual bleeding. These negative aspects have led providers and users to largely prefer combined pills. It follows that many providers have little experience offering POPs or counseling on their correct use. The author points out that since combined pills and POPs bear the same product labeling in the US, potential users and users can mistakenly believe that POPs have the same contraindications and side effects as combined pills.