WHAT ARE PROGESTIN-ONLY PILLS (POPs)?
Progestin-only pills (minipills) contain just one hormone, a progestin. A cycle does not have hormone-free days or placebo pills. They work by making cervical mucus thicker so sperm cannot reach the egg, and by making the lining of the uterus thinner. Sometimes they stop ovulation (release of an egg). Among typical couples who use progestin-only pills, about 8% will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. This is because some women do not take their pills correctly. But if these pills are used consistently and correctly, just 3 out of 1,000 women will become pregnant. Complete information about this contraceptive is available from your clinician or the package insert accompanying the specific pills you are taking.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF POPs?
- There are no estrogen side effects. POPs can be taken by some women who have had side effects or complications using estrogen-containing pills.
- The amount of the progestin in POPs is less than in combined pills.
- Mini-pills are also easier to take than combined pills. You take exactly the same kind of pill every single day.
- Nursing mothers can take progestin-only pills. Nursing moms who find that they like POPS may continue on them indefinitely.
- There are decreased cramps and pain during periods. There may also be decreased pain at the time of ovulation.
- Mini-pills can be taken by women who have had any of several types of blood clots: thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolus.
- They can be taken by women who smoke and are over 35.
- A woman on mini-pills may experience fewer headaches than she had on combined pills.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?
- Do NOT start this method of birth control unless you will find it acceptable to have your periods change. They WILL change a lot.
- Menstrual irregularity is the most common problem with mini-pills. While the amount of blood lost is less, bleeding may be at irregular intervals and there may be spotting between periods.
- Mini-pills tend to make periods very short and scanty. You may go several months with no bleeding at all. (Some women go years without a period and love it!)
- You have to remember to take a pill every single day at the same time. Staying on schedule is important because progestin-only pills cause cervical mucus to thicken for only about 22-24 hours.
- Progestin-only pills do not protect you from HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Use a condom if you or your partner may be at risk.
WHERE DO I GET MINI-PILLS?
In the U.S. you need a prescription. You can get a prescription for mini-pills from your clinician, health department, or family planning clinic. Most, but not all, pharmacies carry progestin only pills. Call the pharmacy first.
WHAT IF I HAVE SEX AND DON’T USE BIRTH CONTROL?
Did you know that for 120 hours after sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant? AND for 5 to 7 days after sex, you can have an IUD put in, so you won’t become pregnant? Emergency postcoital insertion of the Copper T 380 A IUD (ParaGard) is the most effective currently available postcoital contraceptive. If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you that prescribe emergency birth control, call the toll-free number: (1-888) NOT-2-LATE. PLAN B is the emergency contraceptive pill that causes the least nausea and the least vomiting. | 