The mini-pill is a birth control pill containing only one hormone, progestin. They are not smaller than other birth control pills.
It thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from entering the uterus and fertilizing an egg. It also slows the passage of the egg through the fallopian tube, and thins the uterine lining to prevent the egg from implanting. It prevents ovulation for about half of users.
The mini-pill is somewhat less effective than combined birth control pills. In the first year of use, pregnancy occurs in about 5% of typical users. If taken consistently and correctly, the effectiveness is 99.05%. The mini-pill does require a strict regiment of taking the pill the same time every day within a three hour period. If taken beyond that time period, women are required to use a back up method.
The mini-pill is safe for women who:
