The Difference Between Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) and Progestin-only Pills (POPs)

There are two types of birth control pills: combined oral contraceptives (COCs) and progestin-only birth control pills (POPs). But what are the differences? This fact sheet from Free the Pill explains.

COCs contain two types of hormones, progestin and estrogen. POPs contain only progestin. While both types of birth control pills are taken daily, POPs must be taken around the same time every day in order to be effective.

Depending on our health-conditions and why we're using them, COCs or POPs may be more beneficial. COCs can help regulate our menstrual cycles, reduce acne, and decrease the risk of cancers such as ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal. POPs can be used by people who are breastfeeding, people over age thirty-five who smoke, and people with high blood pressure. POPs may also be a better option for those who prefer not to take estrogen and people with endometriosis.

Regardless of which type we choose to take, birth control pills are very safe. They have been on the market for over sixty years. Used as directed, birth control pills can be up to ninety-nine percent effective at preventing pregnancy. While most birth control pills require a prescription, Opill, a POP, is now available over-the-counter.

Birth control pills have been on the market for over 60 years, are FDA-approved and extremely safe for most people. There may be some conditions where someone would want to consider one type of pill over the other... Birth control pills do not affect a person’s ability to get pregnant in the future and they are less likely to cause health problems than pregnancy or the post-partum period.

SOURCE: Free the Pill • LAST UPDATED: March 19, 2025