Minipill Procedure
Overview
The minipill, sometimes called the progestin-only pill, is a type of oral birth control people use for contraception. Unlike combination pills, it does not include estrogen—only a synthetic hormone called progestin. This medicine mainly changes the body’s natural processes to stop pregnancy.
How the Minipill Works:
- Thickens cervical mucus to help block sperm.
- Thins the lining of the uterus to make it harder for a fertilized egg to attach.
- Sometimes stops ovulation, though about half of users may still release eggs.
To use the minipill effectively, take it every day at the same time. Missing a dose or taking it late lowers its ability to prevent pregnancy. People who cannot use estrogen-containing pills may choose this form of contraception.
Reasons People Use the Minipill
People choose the minipill for several practical reasons. It offers a reliable way to prevent pregnancy and can be stopped at any time, allowing fertility to return quickly. This makes it a popular option for those who may want children in the future.
Key Benefits
- Does not affect breastfeeding or breast milk supply.
- Suitable for people who cannot use estrogen-containing birth control.
- May ease heavy or painful menstrual periods.
- Can help manage estrogen-related skin problems.
Doctors may recommend the minipill for individuals with certain health concerns, such as:
- A history of blood clots
- Heart concerns or high blood pressure
- Risk factors that make estrogen use dangerous
The minipill is often started right after childbirth, especially for people who are breastfeeding, because it does not reduce milk supply. Even those who are not nursing can begin taking it immediately after giving birth.
For people who cannot safely take estrogen, the minipill provides a hormone-based birth control option that avoids estrogen-related side effects. This includes those who have experienced problems with other types of hormonal contraception.
Who Should Avoid the Minipill
People with these health problems might need different options:
- Breast cancer (past or present)
- Certain liver diseases
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Use of medications for tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, or seizures
Other Things to Consider
Take the minipill at the same time each day for best results. Missing doses or taking them late lowers effectiveness, so it may not be a good match for those with irregular schedules.
- The minipill does not protect against STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
- For extra safety, use condoms as a backup method.
- Emergency contraception, like the morning-after pill or an IUD, may be needed if you miss pills.
- One type of emergency contraception available by prescription is a selective progesterone receptor modulator.
| Birth Control Option | Hormone Type | STI Protection | Use While Breastfeeding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minipill | Progestin only | No | Yes |
| Condoms | None | Yes | Yes |
| Morning After Pill | Emergency (various) | No | Ask provider |
| IUD | Copper/Hormonal | No | Yes (varies) |
Possible Concerns
Risk of Becoming Pregnant
Although the minipill lowers the chance of pregnancy, it is not 100% effective. As many as 9 in every 100 users might become pregnant each year with typical use. The risk drops to less than 1 in 100 with perfect use.
If you become pregnant, there is a slight chance of an ectopic pregnancy, where the egg grows outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube. If pregnancy is confirmed, stop taking the minipill immediately.
Protection Against Infections
The minipill does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases or infections. Use condoms or other safer sex methods to reduce the chance of diseases like HIV or chlamydia. Only barrier methods such as condoms help lower the risk of these infections.
Possible Health Effects
People who use the minipill may notice some side effects. Common ones include:
- Irregular bleeding or spotting
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Ovarian cysts
- Changes in skin like acne
- Mood shifts or a lower sex drive
These effects can vary from person to person, and for some, they may lead to stopping the pill. If you experience ongoing headaches, dizziness, or other health concerns, contact a healthcare provider for more guidance.
Getting Ready for the Minipill
Before starting the minipill, get a prescription from your healthcare provider. The minipill comes in packs of 28 pills, and every pill contains progestin. There are no placebo or hormone-free pills in each pack.
Do not begin the minipill if there is a chance of pregnancy. The best time to start is on the first day of the menstrual period. Starting at this time often means extra protection like condoms is not needed.
If you start within the first five days of a period, backup birth control is not usually required. Other times when you can start the minipill without needing extra protection include:
- Between six weeks and six months after childbirth, if you are fully breastfeeding and have not had a period.
- Within three weeks after giving birth if not breastfeeding.
- The day after stopping another hormone birth control method.
- Immediately following a pregnancy loss or abortion.
If you start the minipill outside of these times, use a backup method (like condoms) or do not have sex for the first two days after beginning the pills. This helps avoid the risk of pregnancy while the minipill takes effect.
Consult your healthcare provider for clear directions and to ensure all health needs are met. Sometimes, a pelvic exam may be recommended before starting any birth control, based on your medical history.
Checklist for Preparation
| Task | Needed? |
|---|---|
| Talk to a healthcare provider for a prescription. | Yes |
| Check for possible pregnancy before starting. | Yes |
| Discuss the need for a pelvic exam. | Sometimes |
| Have a backup birth control ready if needed. | Yes |
| Understand when to start a minipill. | Yes |
What You Might Notice
Many people notice changes in their periods while using the minipill. Bleeding may become lighter, stop completely for a few months, or include spotting between cycles. These effects are common. If periods become very heavy or last more than 8 days, talk to a healthcare provider.
Taking the Minipill Schedule
- Pick the same time each day to take the pill.
- If you take it more than 3 hours late, use another type of birth control for the next 2 days.
- Do not skip days between pill packs. Start the next pack as soon as you finish your current one.
Missing a Pill
| Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Missed pill by less than 3 hours | Take it as soon as you remember. No extra steps needed. |
| Missed pill by more than 3 hours | Take it right away. Use backup birth control for the next 2 days. |
| Had unprotected sex after a missed pill | Contact a healthcare provider for emergency contraception advice. |
When You Feel Sick
If you vomit or have strong diarrhea, the medicine may not work well. In that case, use a backup form of birth control until you have been well for two days. If you vomit within three hours of taking your pill, take another pill right away.
Medicine Interactions
Some drugs, including certain antibiotics, can make the minipill less reliable. Tell your health care provider about any medicine you take. They may suggest a backup birth control method while you are on those medicines.
Other Tips
- Always have your next pill pack on hand.
- If you have concerns or want to switch birth control, reach out to your health care provider.
- Side effects like headaches can happen, but not everyone will have them.
