Minipill 

General Information

Unlike regular combined contraceptives that contain both estrogen and progestin, minipills contain only progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone. The Minipill affects cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and for eggs to be transported through the fallopian tubes.  The Minipill is 87 to 99.7 % effective if used correctly; this is slightly less effective than combined hormone oral contraceptives. 

In addition to preventing pregnancy, minipills may decrease period symptoms like painful cramps, heavy bleeding, moodiness, breast tenderness, and headaches.  Minipills also decrease the risk of endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Minipills are often more suitable for older women, breastfeeding women, and women who have had adverse reactions to combined oral contraceptives. Minipills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.            

Starting the Pill

• Take your first pill the first day of your period, or when instructed to by your clinician.
• You will need to use a back-up method during first 7 days on mini-pills
• Swallow 1 pill each day until you finish your pack.  Start your new pack the next day.  Never miss a day and always take your pill at the same time of day. 
• If you have more than 45 days with no period, take a pregnancy test.
• Minipills may be discontinued at any point in the cycle. To avoid pregnancy, begin another birth control method immediately
• If you become ill with vomiting and/or severe diarrhea, use a back-up method along with your minipills for 7 days after your illness is over.

Missing Pills

• If you miss one Minipill, take it as soon as you remember.
• If you are more than 3 hours late taking the Minipill, use a back-up method for the next 48 hours
• If you miss 2 or more minipills in a row:
• Take 2 pills a day for 2 days.
• Use a back-up method for 7 days
• If your period doesn’t start within six weeks take a pregnancy test.
• If you miss a pill and have intercourse without using a backup method:
• Take Plan B emergency contraception.
• Follow-up with your clinician immediately.
• If you find you are frequently forgetting to take your pills, call Mabel Wadsworth Women's Health Center to discuss an alternative birth control method.

Missing Periods

During the first few months you may miss a period.  This is more likely if you have missed 1 or more pills.  Keep taking your mini-pills on schedule. 

If you have taken your pills as directed and miss a period:

• You can take a pregnancy test.
• Please call the office to inform us of the missed period.  

If you have NOT taken your pills as instructed and miss a period, or if you go more than two months without a period:

• Take a pregnancy test
• Use back-up birth control until you have seen your medical provider for an evaluation. 

Discontinuing The Pill

• To discontinue the pill, finish your pack and do not start a new one.
• If you do not want to be pregnant please call your clinician before discontinuing to discuss birth control options. 
• If you want to become pregnant, use a non-hormonal birth control (condoms and spermicide) until you have had 3 normal periods.  Your periods may be irregular after discontinuing the pill while your body adjusts. 

Side Effects

Most side effects will taper off within the first 3 months of pill use. If not, contact your clinician. 

• Nausea & Headaches
• Spotting between periods or less menstrual bleeding
• High blood pressure
• Breast tenderness
• Weight changes
• Depression or moodiness

Danger Signs

Call Mabel Wadsworth Center if you experience any of the following ACHES:

• Abdominal pain (severe)
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Headaches (severe)
• Eye problems, such as blurred vision or loss of vision
• Severe pain, weakness, or numbness in arms, legs, or face

Smoking significantly increases the potential for serious risks linked to hormonal birth control including blood clots, stroke, heart attack, gallbladder disease, liver tumor, and death.  If you are over 35 and smoke, you will not be able to obtain hormonal birth control from most providers including Mabel Wadsworth Women's Health Center.

Always inform any medical provider that you are taking birth control pills.

Call Mabel Wadsworth Women's Health Center if you have any questions about your pill.

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