Abstract
Progestin-only pills (POPs) are often referred to as “mini-pills” as they contain about 25–75% of the progestin dose contained in combination oral contraceptives (COCs), depending on the type, and no estrogen. Their typical-use effectiveness has been shown to be slightly less than COCs, most likely due to a more limited duration of effect, inconsistent ovulation suppression, and difficulties with adherence. POPs are associated with more breakthrough bleeding than COCs but fewer serious adverse events. Although not as well studied, POPs are thought to have many of the same noncontraceptive health benefits as COCs.
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Further Reading
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Brown, B.P., Allen, R.H. (2020). Progestin-Only Oral Contraceptives. In: Shoupe, D. (eds) The Handbook of Contraception. Current Clinical Practice. Humana, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46391-5_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46391-5_3
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