Progestin-only pills icon

Progestin-only pills 

  • 91% effective
  • Take daily
  • Prescription required for some
  • Over the counter pill available
  • Contains hormones
  • No STI/STD protection
  • Lighter periods

  

What is it?
  • The Progestin-only pills are small tablets with the hormone progestin that you take daily to prevent pregnancy. 

  • Progestin-only pills come in a pack, and you swallow 1 pill every day.

  • The Progestin-only pills have a lower dose of hormones than the combined birth control pill.

  • Progestin-only pills are about 91% effective in preventing pregnancy.1 This means that out of 100 couples using progestin-only pills to prevent pregnancy, about 9 of them will get pregnant over one year. 

  • Some progestin only pill brands include Nora-Be (norethindrone), Slynd (drospirenone), and Opill (norgestrel). 
How it works
  • The Progestin-only pill contains the hormone progestin to stop you from getting pregnant.

  • The hormone in the Progestin-only pills work by:

    • Stopping your ovaries from releasing eggs. When eggs aren’t released, you can’t get pregnant.

    • Making the mucus in your cervix too thick for sperm to pass through. This prevents sperm from meeting an egg.
How to get it
  • You can get a prescription for Progestin-only pills at your medical facility, or in some cases through an e-visit.

  • A progestin-only pill called Opill is available without a prescription.   
Cost
  • Because of the Affordable Care Act, Kaiser Permanente members can get certain types of birth control methods at low or no cost. Check with Member Services or your provider for details. 
How to use it
  • Swallow 1 pill each day at the same time. 
  • After you finish the pack of pills, immediately start a new pack the next day.
  • Make sure you fill your prescription for the Progestin-only pill on time, so you don’t miss a day. Getting a full 12-month supply of your prescription may help you continue your birth control without running out and having a risk of unplanned pregnancy.2 So be sure to ask your pharmacist about a 12-month supply. Depending on your coverage, you may be eligible to get a 12-month supply when filling your prescription.

  • If you forget to take 1 Progestin-only pill, take it as soon as you can.

    • Nora-Be and Opill (norethindrone or norgestrel pills):  If you take the pill more than 3 hours late, use condoms as a backup for the next 2 days. 

    • Slynd (drospirenone):  If your pill is late by more than 24 hours, take 1 as soon as you can and take your next pill at the usual time. You should also use condoms for the next 7 days.
Benefits
  • The Progestin-only pill is 91% effective in preventing pregnancy. 
  • You may have more regular, lighter, shorter, and less painful periods.
  • The Progestin-only pill is temporary. You can stop using it at any time. 
  • The Progestin-only pill can be used after you have a baby and while you’re breastfeeding. 

  • One progestin only pill (Slynd) may help prevent or lessen acne, body hair, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), anemia, and ovarian cysts.
Risks
  • The Progestin-only pills doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs), including HIV. Even if you take the Progestin-only pills, you should use a condom every time you have sex to reduce your chances of getting or spreading STIs.
  • If you don’t take the Progestin-only pill on schedule every day, you’re more likely to get pregnant.
  • The Progestin-only pill may cause spotting.
  • Some people may experience headache or nausea. 

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© 2024 Kaiser Permanente

1 "Birth control pill,” Planned Parenthood, plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-pill/how-effective-is-the-birth-control-pill, accessed August 13, 2019.

2 "Oral contraceptive pills,” KFF.org, https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/fact-sheet/oral-contraceptive-pills/, May 23, 2019.