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Mini-Pill (Progestin-Only Pill)
What are progestin-only pills?
Progestin-only pills contain just one hormone, a progestin. A cycle does
not have hormone-free days or placebo pills. They work by making
cervical mucus thicker so sperm cannot reach the egg and by making the
lining of the uterus thinner. Sometimes they stop ovulation (release of
an egg). Among typical couples who use progestin-only pills, about 5
percent will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. This
is because some women do not take their pills correctly. But if these
pills are used consistently and correctly, just one in 200 women will
become pregnant. Complete information about this contraceptive is
available from your clinician or the package insert accompanying the
specific pills you are taking.
What are the advantages?
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There are no estrogen side
effects. Mini-pills can be taken by women who have had side effects or
complications using estrogen-containing pills.
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The amount of the progestin
in mini-pills is less than in combined pills.
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Mini-pills are also easier to take than combined pills. You take exactly
the same kind of pill every single day.
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Nursing mothers can take progestin-only pills, preferably after the baby
is six weeks old. Nursing moms who find that they like progestin-only
pills may continue on them indefinitely.
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There are decreased cramps and pain during periods, including problems
that other treatments have not been able to help. There is also
decreased pain at the time of ovulation in some women.
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Mini-pills can be taken by women who have had thrombophlebitis (inflamed
veins).
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They can be taken by women who smoke and are older than 35.
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Women on mini-pills often experience fewer headaches than those on
combined pills.
What are the disadvantages?
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Menstrual irregularity
is the most common problem with mini-pills. While the amount of blood
lost is less, bleeding may be at irregular intervals, and there may be
spotting between periods.
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Mini-pills tend to make periods very short and scanty. You may go several
months with no bleeding at all. (Some women go years without a period
and love it!)
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You have to remember to take a pill every single day at the same time.
Staying on schedule is important because progestin-only pills cause
cervical mucus to thicken for only 22 to 24 hours.
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The failure rate with mini-pills is a bit higher than with regular birth
control pills (combined pills). Some women use a backup method such as
condoms as long as they are on mini-pills.
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Progestin-only pills do not protect you from HIV or other sexually
transmitted infections. Use a condom if you or your partner may be at
risk.
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Some pharmacies may not carry progestin-only pills. You should call in
advance to find out if they carry them.
Where do I get mini-pills?
In the United States, you need a prescription. You can get a
prescription for mini-pills from your clinician, health department or
family planning clinic.
What if I have sex and don't use birth
control?
Did you know that for 72 hours after sex, you can take emergency
contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant? Did you know that for
five to seven days after sex, you can have an IUD inserted so you won't
become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about these options.
If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of
clinicians near you who prescribe emergency birth control, call the
toll-free number 888.NOT2.LATE or 800.584.9911. Some of these sources of
help are free.
The North Dakota Department
of Health, Division of Family Health, does not assume responsibility for
the content obtained from external hyperlinks accessed from this website.
Any links to external sources are outside of our domain. Information on
external websites does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of
the North Dakota Department of Health or the Division of Family Health.
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