- Taken correctly, the mini pill is about 97 percent effective -- slightly less so than a typical two-hormone oral contraceptive. This means that about 3 percent of women who take the mini pill as directed will become pregnant within one year. As with any birth control pill, the mini pill is much less effective if you skip or forget to take pills.
- Some side effects are less likely to occur when taking the mini pill than when taking regular birth control pills. These include blood clots, mood swings and nausea. The mini pill is also less likely to reduce your milk supply if you are breastfeeding, and it is considered safer for women who smoke, are overweight, have high blood pressure, or are over 35 years old.
- Unlike typical birth control pills, the mini pill must be taken at the same time every day, and missing a pill is more likely to result in pregnancy. It is also more likely to cause irregular spotting or bleeding for several months. Finally, it can cause progestin-related side effects, including depression, increased appetite, weight gain and decreased sexual desire.
- The mini pill comes in a 28-day pack, and each pill should be taken at the same time every day. Unlike other birth control pills, placebo (inert) pills are not included; every pill is "active" and contains hormones. You must start a new pack immediately after finishing the previous one. If you are three or more hours late taking your pill, take it immediately and take the next pill at the regular time. You must use a backup form of birth control for 48 hours if you are three to 24 hours late taking your pill. If 24 hours pass before you remember to take your pill, you must use another form of birth control until your next period.
- Like all oral contraceptives, the mini pill is only available with a prescription, and you may need to have a pelvic examination (Pap smear) before you begin taking it. It's important to test for cervical cancer or other abnormalities before starting oral contraceptives because the hormones may cause abnormal cells to grow more rapidly. Most gynecologists and family doctors can perform the exam and prescribe the mini pill. If you don't have health insurance, many women's health clinics offer discounted office visits and pelvic examinations.
