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Traditional POP missed pill — DFSRH MCQ

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ModerateProgestogen-only methodsTraditional POP missed pillDFSRH

A 23-year-old woman taking a traditional norethisterone POP usually takes it at 7 am. She remembers yesterday's pill at 3 pm today and had sex last night. She wants to know whether she needs further action. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Treat as a missed POP, assess emergency contraception need and advise precautions

Traditional POPs have a shorter missed-pill window than desogestrel, so this delay should be managed as a missed pill with EC assessment after UPSI. The tempting error is applying desogestrel rules to a traditional POP. Taking pills alone does not immediately restore protection, while switching methods still requires pregnancy-risk assessment. The pearl is to confirm which POP the patient is taking before giving missed-pill advice.

Reference: FSRH Guideline: Progestogen-only Pills; FSRH Guideline: Emergency Contraception