Minipill

What is the mini pill?

• Similar to the pill, the mini pill is a month-long series of progestin-only pills that must be taken every day (the pill has both progestin and estrogen).


• The progestin-only pills do not prevent ovulation like the regular pill, but provide pregnancy protection by:
• Thickening the cervical mucus, which prevents the sperm and egg from joining.


• Preventing the uterine lining from thickening, which makes it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus and develop.

How is it used?

Like the regular pill, the mini pill is taken every day and is most effective when taken at the same time every day.

The minipill must be taken at the same time every day. For increased effectiveness in the evening it should be taken in the late afternoon. If a woman is three hours late taking the pill, she should use a backup method of birth control.

Does it protect against STIs?
NO!

Does it protect against pregnancy?
Yes, but the mini pill is less effective than the combined estrogen and progestin pill.

What are the chances of getting pregnant while using the mini pill?

• Typical use: 5%


• Perfect use: 0.5%

Advantages to women when using the mini pill?

• Decreases menstrual bleeding.


• Decreases menstrual cramps.


• Helps prevent against serious health risks such as:
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (a major cause of infertility in women).


• Ovarian and endometrial cancer.


• Is a good option for women who are unable to take estrogen because they are breastfeeding, or for whom estrogen-containing products cause severe headaches or high blood pressure.

Disadvantages to women when using the mini pill?

• Menstrual cycle changes.


• Weight gain.


• Breast tenderness.

Things you should know:

• The mini pill does not protect against STIs.


• The mini pill must be obtained from a medical clinician and an examination is required.


• The cost of the examination and mini pill varies, but is usually lower at a clinic such as Planned Parenthood and is covered by Medicaid.


• Use of the mini pill in addition to condoms is a more effective way to protect yourself against pregnancy as well as STIs.

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Additional Outside Sources

Below is additional information and resources. Some are links to other Internet pages, which might have information on health topics of interest to you. PAMF, however, does not sponsor or endorse any of these sites, nor does PAMF guarantee the accuracy of the information contained on them. In addition, PAMF has no control over the privacy practices of external Web sites. The user should read and understand the policies of all Web sites with respect to their privacy practices. These links are provided for your general information and education only, and should NOT be relied upon for personal diagnosis or treatment. If you have questions, please contact your health care provider.

Planned Parenthood. Birth Control [Online]. Accessed March 2008.

The National Women's Health Information Center. Birth Control Methods [Online]. Accessed March 2008.
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