You may know it as the mini pill or as the progestin-only pill. Either way, it’s the safe option for estrogen-sensitive women, and gives you just as much protection.
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Mini pills (or “progestin-only birth control pills” if you’re into the lingo) are a little different to what you might know as “The Pill.” Generally “The Pill” refers to combined birth control pills that contain two hormones, progestin and estrogen. Progestin-only tablets have just one hormone in them.
They’re more suitable than the conventional combined pill for some women, because they don’t contain estrogen. But there’s virtually no difference in how effective they are as long as you take them correctly.
You’ll take the progestin-only pill without a break, every day of the month. Difference being that in combined pills, you may get some inactive spacer pills (usually seven). With mini pills, all 28 in a pack are active (so they all matter).
Because it’s taken every day without a break, a lot of women who take the mini pill find that their periods become either much, much lighter or (more likely) stop altogether. Some women see this as a big advantage to using it over the combined pill, with which you’ll still often get a withdrawal bleed.
How does the progestin-only mini pill work?
The progestin-only pill works by thickening the mucus in the cervix. Yep, we know. Mucus isn’t everyone’s favorite word. But what this does is make it harder for sperm to travel through, and to fertilize an egg.
For the progestin-only mini pill to work properly, it has to be taken at the same time every day. If you are late taking the pill, it counts as missing it. The missed-pill window is shorter with some mini pills (3 hours) than it is with the combined pill (12 hours), so be sure to read the leaflet before you start.
What are the advantages of progestin-only pills?
One of the biggest advantages of the mini pill is that it is safer to use for some women than the combined pill, because it doesn’t contain any estrogen. You’re more likely to take the mini pill if you get migraines, if you’re breastfeeding or if you are at a higher risk of blood clots due to high blood pressure or being overweight.
The main disadvantage is that some progestin-only pills have a shorter missed-pill window at three hours (compared to 12 hours for most combined pills).
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Mini pills
How effective is the progestin-only pill?
Very effective, when it’s used correctly. There are two methods used to measure effectiveness: perfect use and typical use.
Perfect use is taking the mini pill exactly as stated in the instructions, without making any mistakes. Effectiveness associated with this method is over 99%, meaning that in 100 women taking the pill over a year, less than one will get pregnant.
Typical use is taking the pill correctly for the most part, but making occasional mistakes (missing a pill, or taking it late). Effectiveness for this method is thought to be around 91%, meaning that around nine in 100 women using the progestin-only pill will get pregnant over one year.
When to start taking the progestin-only pill
If you’re not already taking the pill or using another form of hormonal contraception, you can start taking the progestin-only pill at any point during your cycle. Or you can wait until you have your period.
When you’re ready to start using progestin-only birth control, pick a convenient time to take it because you’ll have to take it at this time every day.
If you wait for your period, and you start taking the mini pill within the first five days of your period, you’ll be protected from becoming pregnant right away. So you don’t need to worry about using a diaphragm or condoms.
You might need to go with another method of birth control if you have a shorter period. Use condoms or the diaphragm until you’ve used the pill for two days.
You won’t be protected against pregnancy right away if you start taking it at any other point during your cycle. So if you’re not on your period and start taking the progestin-only pill, make sure you use extra protection like a condom for the first seven days that you take it.
Starting when switching from another pill
When you switch from the combined pill or another type of progestin-only pill, you can take your first one the day after you finish the last pill in your previous pack.
If you’re changing from the skin patch or the vaginal ring, start on the day after your patch or ring is removed. If you do this, you won’t need to use extra protection.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Mini pills
Which is the best mini pill for me?
It depends on you. And your body. If you’re sensitive to a particular progestin hormone for example, such as desogestrel, mini pills like the Camila mini pill (which contains the hormone norethindrone) could be better options for you, as they may give you fewer side effects. Mini pills only have a three hour window in which to remember to take them, so if you take these pills more than three hours later than normal, you’ll not be protected from getting pregnant. To sum up then, it’s really a question of what your body responds well to, and what it doesn’t. And with the missed pill windows, it may just be a matter of what fits your lifestyle best. We can advise you on the right pills for you, based on your health background, and you can choose your mini pill from there.
Is there a generic progestin-only pill?
Yes. A lot of the birth control options you know will probably be branded versions. You might know their names, their active ingredients and you might know what to expect when you start using them. When there isn’t one, single brand of a particular medication, and there are several versions available, these are called generics. There are several brands of progestin only pills available. Some might have different names, but they’re exactly the same pill in the same concentration. For example, Camila and Norethindrone are identical from a clinical point of view, but just come in different packaging because they’re made by different companies. But there shouldn’t be any difference in how well they work.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Mini pills
Mini pills: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Are there side effects when using progestin-only pills?
Answer:
Just like with any other form of birth control, you might notice some side effects but they should be easy to manage. Some side effects are really common and should go away on their own after a couple of months, once your body has gotten used to the mini pill.
The most common side effects noted include:
tender breasts
acne
irregular bleeding
changes to your mood and sex drive
headaches
nausea and vomiting
cysts on your ovaries (they should be harmless and won’t need treatment)
If you get side effects that cause you discomfort and don’t go away, drop us a message. They may recommend that you try an alternative mini pill.
More serious side effects with the progestin-only pill are rare, but it’s good to know what the symptoms are in case you do need to get medical help.
Stop using the progestin-only pill and go to the hospital immediately if you experience:
signs of a blood clot (throbbing or cramping pain, feeling breathlessness suddenly, coughing up blood)
signs of a heart attack (cold sweat, fatigue, chest pain)
signs of a stroke (a sudden weakness on one side of your body, difficulty seeing out of one or both of your eyes, sudden confusion)
Can you take the progestin-only pill with other medications?
Answer:
The progestin-only pill may interfere with other medications, which can make it less effective. It’s very important then to let us know if you’re currently taking any other medications.
Progestin-only pills that contain norethindrone are known to interfere with:
St John’s wort
HIV medication
Griseofulvin (used to treat fungal infections)
Modafinil (treats sleeping disorders)
treatment for seizures
antibiotics
Do you need a prescription for the progestin-only pill?
Answer:
Yes. Hormonal birth control is prescription-only in the US. Before you start taking it, we’ll need to check your health and medical history to make sure it’s safe for you as part of your consultation.
Does the mini pill stop periods?
Answer:
The short answer is yes (in most cases), although it doesn’t stop bleeding. You may have some spotting while taking the mini pill.
You may also get heavy bleeding on the mini pill, and you should get in touch with us if you experience this.
Why should I buy the mini pill with Treated?
Answer:
We’re making the mini pill convenient. Tell us about your health, and we’ll recommend pills that are safe and suitable for you. Once you’ve chosen your mini pill, you can set your own delivery schedule, and the quantity of pills you want to receive from us each time.
We believe in aftercare too. So you can ask us questions about your contraception, and get extra guidance from us whenever you like. We’ll check in with you regularly to make sure that your pill is still right for you. And if it isn’t, no bother. We’ll explore alternative options.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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