The "Minipill" (Progesterone only Pill)
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The Minipill is a birth control pill that contains only the hormone progesterone. Most birth control pills contain two hormones, estrogen and progesterone.
The Minipill is taken at the same time every day. Every time you take a pill late, and especially if you miss a pill, you are more likely to get pregnant.
It is best to take your first pill on the first day of your menstrual period, but it can be started at other times.
Use a backup method of birth control every time you have sex during the first seven days after you take your first pill.
The Minipill stops the ovaries from releasing eggs in about half of the cycles. It makes the cervical mucus at the entrance to the uterus thick so that it is hard for sperm to reach the egg. They also affect other hormones, the fallopian tubes and the lining of the uterus.
About 1 out of every 200 women using the Minipill will get pregnant in the first year if they take it every day at the same time. For women who occasionally miss taking pills or don`t take them at the same time every day, 1 out of every 20 will get pregnant.
Immediately. The Minipill does not delay your ability to get pregnant after you stop taking it.
Yes. The Minipill will not affect the quality or amount of your breast milk or the health of your nursing baby. If you are breastfeeding you may start the Minipill 6 weeks after delivery (after your postpartum checkup). The Minipill works most effectively for mothers that are exclusively breastfeeding (not giving your baby food or formula).
If you miss taking one or two pills, or are more than 3 hours late taking your pill follow these steps:
- Take a missed pill/pills as soon as you remember that you missed it.
- Go back to taking your pills at your regular time.
- Use a backup method of birth control (like condoms) every time you have sex for the next 48 hours.
The Minipill is recommended for breastfeeding women, and because it has less serious side effects than the regular birth control pills, it can be taken by women who should not use estrogen (women who have high blood pressure, and smokers over age 35).
Changes in menstrual period. You may have spotting, irregular periods or no periods.
You may experience tender breasts.
The Minipill may cause dark patches on the skin of your face. These patches may continue even after you stop using the Minipill and may become worse with sun exposure.
You may experience tender breasts.
The Minipill may cause dark patches on the skin of your face. These patches may continue even after you stop using the Minipill and may become worse with sun exposure.
Women who use contraceptives with hormones (like the Minipill) have an increased risk of blood clots or stroke. There is also an increased chance of ectopic pregnancy meaning that the fetus develops outside the uterus. Although possible, these events are rare.
Women using the Minipill also have an increased chance of developing ovarian cysts.
Women using the Minipill also have an increased chance of developing ovarian cysts.
Any woman who:
- Is pregnant or suspects pregnancy
- Has undiagnosed, irregular bleeding between periods
- Has liver disease or liver tumors
- Has or suspects breast or uterine cancer