Birth Control Options: The 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% 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 1 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?

• There are no estrogen side effects. Mini-pills can be taken by women who have had side effects or complications using estrogen-containing pills.
• The amount of the progestin in mini-pills is less than in combined pills.
• Mini-pills are also easier to take than combined pills. You take exactly the same kind of pill every single day.
• Nursing mothers can take progestin-only pills, preferably after the baby is 6 weeks old. Nursing moms who find that they like progestin-only pills may continue on them indefinitely.
• 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.
• Mini-pills can be taken by women who have had thrombophlebitis (inflamed veins).
• They can be taken by women who smoke and are over 35 years of age.
• Women on mini-pills often experience fewer headaches than those on combined pills.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?

• 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.
• 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!)
• 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 22-24 hours.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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? AND for 5 to 7 days after sex, you can have an IUD put in, so you won’t become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about this. If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you that prescribe emergency birth control, call the toll-free number: (1-888) NOT-2-LATE or (1-800) 584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free. PLAN B is the emergency contraceptive pill that causes the least nausea, the least vomiting, and has the lowest failure rate.

The Pill | The Mini-Pill | Birth Control Shot | Abstinence  | Cervical Cap

Breastfeeding | Vasectomy | Female/Male Condom Choices

Contraceptive Film (VCF) | Natural Family Planning  |  IUD's

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) | Vaginal Spermicides

Tubal Sterilization | The Ring | The Patch

Wyoming Health Council

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