Pill_COCP_POP_White

THE PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL (POP)

THE MINI PILL THAT DEMANDS A STRICT ROUTINE

TAKE IT A DAY AT A TIME

The progestogen-only pill or mini pill is a contraceptive tablet containing a progestogen that should be taken at the same time once a day. It can be a suitable option for those women who cannot take oestrogen.
You should take the pill at the same time each day, whether or not you have sex.

The long-term use of the POP doesn't affect your fertility. But once you've stopped taking the POP it may take some time for your body's natural hormones to go back to their normal levels.

The POP does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Pill - COCP and POP - Short Acting

HOW IT MEASURES UP

91% Compare Contraceptive Methods 91% Compare Contraceptive Methods

EF­FI­CACY WITH TYP­I­CAL USE

The POP is 91% effective with “typical use” meaning that 9 women out of every 100 using this method for one year will become pregnant.

The pill is self-administered. It should be taken at the same time every day, and although we all make mistakes, it is effective.

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99% - Compare Contraceptive Methods 99% - Compare Contraceptive Methods

EF­FI­CACY WITH PERFECT USE

The POP is more than 99% effective with “perfect use” meaning that less than one woman in every 100 who uses this method for one year will become pregnant.

The pill is self-administered and given with a prescription. When taken perfectly i.e. if you don’t forget to take it or you take with other medications that prevent it from working properly, the pill is a very effective method of contraception.

View 'Perfect' Use Efficacy Rate

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HORMONES

Yes. The hormone in the mini pill - progestogen – is released throughout the body.

EASE OF USE

The pill must be taken at the same time every day, even if you don’t plan to have sex that day.

YOUR PERIOD

The mini-pill may cause irregular bleeding with bleeding becoming more frequent, less frequent or absent.

COMPARE METHODS

NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL.

Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that meets your needs.

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

The
IUS

The Hormonal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plastic frame that releases low levels of a progestogen hormone for up to 3 to 8 years. It is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse.

IUS - HormonalCoil - CompareMethods

THE
IUD

The Copper Coil is a small, T-shaped plastic frame that has a copper wire. it is given with a prescription and placed in your womb by a doctor or nurse, where it prevents pregnancy for up to 5 to 10 years.

IUD_CopperCoil_Blue_CompareMethods

THE
Contraceptive Implant

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse. 

Contraceptive_Implant_CompareMethods

THE
Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP)

COCPs are tablets that may have to be taken every day, releasing the hormone progestogen and oestrogen to prevent pregnancy. They are often referred to as the pill and you will need a prescription from your healthcare professional for these. 

Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

THE
Contraceptive Injection

An injection containing a hormone that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 12-13 weeks.

Contraceptive_Injection_CompareMethods

THE
Patch

A small, thin, skin-coloured plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is given with a prescription and can be self-administered once a week.

The_Patch_CompareMethods

THE
Diaphragm

A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. Your doctor or nurse will normally conduct an initial fitting to make sure you have the correct size.

Contraception_Diaphragm_CompareMethods

THE
Ring

A small, flexible ring that is self-administered with a prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks.

Ring_CompareMethods

THE
Female Condom

An internal condom placed in the vagina that stops sperm from reaching the vagina whilst also helping protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Female_Condom_Contraception

THE
MALE CONDOM

A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina whilst also helping protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Male_Condom_ShortActing

THE
Progestogen-only Pill (POP)

POPs are tablets which have to be taken every day at the same time with no break between packs. These pills only contain a progestogen hormone and so they can be taken by women for whom oestrogen-containing options are not suitable. They are also known as the mini-pill and you will need a prescription from your healthcare professional for these..

Pill_COCP_POP_CompareMethods

NATURAL
PLANNING

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days.

Natural Planning - Compare Methods

SPERMICIDE

Spermicides are Creams, films, foams, gels and suppositories that contain chemicals to stop or kill sperm. These are bought over the counter and are self-administered.

Spermicide_Compare_Contraceptive_Methods

WITHDRAWAL

Also known as ‘The pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.

Withdrawal - Contraception Method

FEMALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes so the egg cannot travel down the tubes to meet the sperm. 

Female Sterilisation - Permanent Method

MALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm.

Male Sterilisation - Permanent Method
COMPARE METHODS

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© Bayer Limited. All rights reserved

Date of last update: 29/08/2023

This website has been developed to raise awareness of the different contraceptive options available in Ireland.

Always speak to your doctor or nurse for personal advice. Health information in this website is intended as general information only and for Irish audiences only. It is not intended to replace a consultation with a healthcare professional, nor is it intended to provide specific medical advice.

If you want to report a side effect or quality complaint, please contact your health care professional (e.g. treating physician or pharmacist), Health Products Regulatory Authority, or go to the “Contact Us” menu at www.bayer.ie

The MyContraception campaign has been initiated, organised and funded by Bayer Ltd.

  • PP-PF-WHC-IE-0068-3, September 2023