Mini-Pills for Birth Control: Care Instructions

Overview

Mini-pills are used to prevent pregnancy. They release a regular dose of the hormone progestin. They are different from regular combination birth control pills, which contain both progestin and estrogen.

Mini-pills come in packs. One type has 28 pills that contain progestin in each pack. You have to take a pill every day at the same time to prevent pregnancy. Another type comes with 24 progestin pills and four inactive pills (that do not contain progestin).

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you use it safely?

How to take the mini-pill

• Follow your doctor's instructions about when to start taking your pills. If you start your pills within 5 days of starting your period, you don't need to use a backup method of birth control. If you start your pills any other time, use backup birth control, such as a condom, or don't have vaginal sex for 2 days.
• Take your pills at the same time every day. To help yourself do this, try to take them when you do something else every day, such as brush your teeth.
• Start your next pack the day after the last pack is finished. There is no break between packs. Always have your next pack of pills ready.
• If you vomit or have diarrhea soon after taking a pill, use a backup method of birth control or don't have vaginal sex for 2 days.
• Check with your doctor before you use any other medicines. This includes over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements. Birth control hormones may not work as well to prevent pregnancy when combined with other medicines.

If you forget to take a pill

Always read the label for specific instructions, or call your doctor. Here are some basic guidelines:

• If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember, even if that means you will take 2 pills in one day. Then go back to your regular schedule.
• If you take a pill more than 3 hours late, use backup birth control, such as a condom, or don't have vaginal sex for the next 48 hours to prevent pregnancy.
• If you had unprotected vaginal sex, you can use emergency contraception to help prevent pregnancy. The most effective emergency contraception is an intrauterine device, or IUD (inserted by a doctor). You can also get emergency contraceptive pills. You can get them with a prescription from your doctor or without a prescription at most drugstores.

What should you think about when using mini-pills?

Some pros of using the mini-pill

• Mini-pills work better than barrier methods. Barrier methods include condoms and diaphragms.
• They may cause fewer side effects than combination birth control pills. They may reduce heavy bleeding and cramping.
• They don't contain estrogen. So you can use them if you don't want to take estrogen. They are also an option if you can't take estrogen because you have certain health problems or concerns.
• They are safe to use while breastfeeding.
• You don't have to interrupt sex to use them.

Some cons of using the mini-pill

• Mini-pills don't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as herpes or HIV/AIDS. You can use a condom to reduce your risk of getting an STI.
• They may cause changes in your periods. You may have spotting between periods. You may also stop getting a period.
• Mini-pills may cause mood changes or less interest in sex.
• You have to take a pill at the same time every day to prevent pregnancy.

When should you call for help?

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.