Mini-Pills

Mini-pills are not used as frequently as regular contraceptive pills. This is in part because mini-pills must be taken at the exact same time every day and in part because more than half of the women have disruptions in their menstrual bleedings.

How do they work?

Mini-pills make the mucous in the uterine cervix so viscous that the sperm cannot enter the uterus. The mucous membrane in the uterus is also affected so that if an egg is fertilised it cannot attach. In addition, the ovulation is relieved over time.

Mini-pills should be taken every day at the same time, also while you are menstruating. There are different types of mini-pills.

Safety

If mini-pills are used the correct way there is around 98% chance that the woman does not become pregnant over the course of 12 months. However, mini-pills should be taken at the exact same time every day.

Disadvantages

• The menstruations can become irregular and stay away a few times. Approximately 50% of all women experience this kind of nuisance.
• Increase in weight, tightness across the chest, acne, headache or mood swings are seen with one out of every four women who use mini-pills.
• Must be taken at exactly the same time every day.
• Mini-pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. If the woman has changing partners, it is necessary to use a condom together with mini-pills.

Advantages

• High degree of safety.
• Women who have trouble with the contraceptive pill can possibly use mini-pills.
• Women who breastfeed can use mini-pills.

Further reading on Coils (IUDs)