This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Starting the progestogen only pill (POP) following the combined oral contraceptive pill (COC)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

  • changing from a combined oral contraceptive
    • start on the day following completion of the combined oral contraceptive course without a break (or in the case of ED tablets omitting the inactive ones)

Timing of initiation

Need for additional precautions after starting

Additional information

Day 1-2 of HFI (hormone free interval)

No

Day 1 is the optimal time to switch

Day 3-7 of HFI OR week 1 following HFI

Yes (48 hours). If UPSI has occurred after Day 3 of HFI advise continuing the CHC method for at least 7 days

If CHC cannot be continued, switch to POP immediately and consider the need for EC and PT

Week 2-3 of CHC use

No, providing the method has been used consistently and correctly (i.e. at least 7 consecutive pills taken or 7 days of patch or ring use prior to switching)

There is evidence to suggest that taking hormonally active pills for 7 consecutive days prevents ovulation in the subsequent 7 days (2)

Reference:

  • BNF 7.3.2.1
  • FRSH (March 2015). Progestogen-only pills.
  • FSRH (February 2019). Progestogen-only pills

Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.