| Facts About Progestin-Only Oral Contraceptives
What are
progestin-only oral contraceptives?
Progestin-only oral contraceptives - commonly
called the "minipill" - are different from combined birth control pills in that
they contain only one hormone (progestin) instead of two (progestin and estrogen).
How do they work?
Minipills may prevent pregnancy in several
ways. Like combined pills, they can prevent a woman's body from releasing an egg during
her monthly menstrual cycle. However, they do not have this effect during every menstrual
cycle. Minipills also thicken a woman's cervical mucus (the substance at the opening of
the womb), making it harder for sperm to reach and fertilize the egg.
How effective are
minipills?
Up to 7% of minipill users get pregnant each
year during typical use.
How are minipills
taken?
You take one pill every day, just as with
combined pills. However, you should take the minipill at the same time every day; varying
the time by even a few hours greatly increases the risk of getting pregnant. Many believe
the best time of day to take minipills is late afternoon or early evening. This is because
it takes about 4 hours for the cervical mucus to thicken and create the most effective
barrier against sperm. Given that bedtime is the most frequent time of sexual intercourse,
taking a minipill several hours earlier may provide the greatest protection against
pregnancy. What if pills are missed or forgotten? If you forget to take a minipill, take
it as soon as you remember. Then take the next pill at the regular time. If the forgotten
pill is more than 3 hours late, use a backup method of birth control (such as condoms) for
at least 48 hours. If you have unprotected sex after forgetting to take your minipill, ask
your clinician about emergency contraception.
If you take your
minipill more than 3 hours late, use a backup method of birth control (such as condoms)
for at least 48 hours
What are the
side effects?
The most common side effect of the minipill is
irregular menstrual bleeding. Minipill users often have spotting or breakthrough bleeding
(bleeding in the middle of the cycle) and irregular cycles (shorter or longer times
between periods). These side effects are not harmful, although they can be inconvenient.
Menstrual cycle effects usually lessen over time. Less common side effects of minipills
include headache, breast tenderness, nausea, and dizziness.
Are there any health
risks?
Progestin-only pills are very safe. Because
they lack the estrogen found in combined pills, they can be used by women who cannot or
should not use combined oral contraceptives, such as women with a history of blood clots,
high blood pressure, or cigarette smokers over the age of 35 years.
Are minipills safe for
breastfeeding women?
Yes. Using minipills while breastfeeding will
not harm a baby and might actually help increase the amount of milk produced.
When should a
breastfeeding mother begin taking minipills?
Breastfeeding women who are also giving
commercial formula to their babies and mothers who are not breastfeeding can begin taking
minipills about 3 weeks after giving birth. Women who are breastfeeding exclusively (not
giving baby formula) can begin taking minipills later (most often 6 weeks after giving
birth). This difference is due to the fact that women who are exclusively breastfeeding do
not become fertile again as soon as other women. Speak with your clinician about the best
time to begin using birth control.
Remember…
Use latex condoms to protect yourself against
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Sexually transmitted infections can happen to anyone
who is sexually active. If you may have been exposed to an STD and you have unusual or
sudden menstrual changes, painful intercourse, or a discharge, check with your clinician.
Don't stop taking or using your birth control method on your own. Always call your
clinician to talk things over. |
