**3.5 Advantages**

The most important advantage of POPs is their rapid effectiveness (<24 h), if taken within the first 7 days of the menstrual cycle. Unlike COCs, intake delay of up to 12 h does not affect contraceptive efficacy [57]. Moreover, the lack of estrogen eliminates the possibility of estrogen-related side-effects and complications. POPs do not interfere with intercourse or affect breastfeeding. Women taking POPs can easily cease taking the pills with an immediate return of fertility. Anecdotally, some women mention that the POP tablets are easier to take compared to COCs because each tablet is the same color.
