POP (Progestin-Only Pills) Instructions

Young hispanic woman holding birth control pills at bedroom

As their name implies, POPs only contains the hormone progesterone, unlike conventional pills which contain both estrogen and progesterone. POPs have a lower progesterone dose than conventional pills and then failure rate, when used correctly, is 0.3%. It is a reversible birth control method.

How they work: POPs prevent pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from entering the uterus. This effect lasts for 24 hours, and it is important to be constant about taking this pill at the same time each day. These pills do not consistently prevent the release of an egg from the ovary (ovulation).

How to start: POPs can be started at any time if you are reasonably sure you are not pregnant. If you start within the 1st 5 days of your menstrual cycle, a back-up method of birth control is unnecessary. Condoms or other backup methods should be used for the first 2 days if you start at any other time in your cycle.

Proper use: ALL pills in your pack are ACTIVE pills; there are NO sugar pills.

  • Take your pill at the same time every day
  • If you are more than 3 hours late taking your pill, use a backup method (condoms) for the next 2 days
  • Do not skip any pills in the pack even if you are on your period
  • When you complete a pack, start a new pack the next day, even if you are on your period

POPs do not protect against STDs.

If you miss a pill:

  • Take your missed pill ASAP
  • Continue taking your pill daily, at the same time each day, even if it means taking 2 pills on the same day

Use a backup method (condoms) until you have taken your pills correctly, on time, for 2 days in a row.

Common side effects:

  • Irregular bleeding
  • Breast tenderness
  • Mood or sex drive changes
Accepted Insurances

May-Grant Obstetrics & Gynecology participates with the following insurances. Please note that office copays are due at the time of service and any co-insurances are the responsibility of the patient. Please check with your carrier or call our office at 717-397-8177 for an updated menu of insurance options.

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Please consider the following when booking:

Online scheduling is currently for ESTABLISHED May-Grant patients only. If you are a new patient (GYN or OB), please call the office at 717-397-8177 to schedule your appointment to ensure that your provider has enough time to address your needs.

If you schedule an appointment online as a new patient, your appointment will be canceled and you will not be able to be seen. A “New Patient” includes those who have not been seen in our offices in the past three years.

Additionally, your insurance coverage will be verified when you check in for your visit. Please confirm that we accept your insurance before booking online. If we do not accept your insurance, you will not be seen and your appointment will be canceled.

Each patient is unique, and so is each appointment type!

Online scheduling is currently for ESTABLISHED May-Grant patients only. If you are a new patient (GYN or OB), please call the office at 717-397-8177 to schedule your appointment to ensure that your provider has enough time to address your needs.

If you schedule an appointment online as a new patient, your appointment will be canceled and you will not be able to be seen. A “New patient” includes those who have not been seen in our offices in the past three years.