The Difference Between the Mini Pill & Combined Oral Contraceptive
Mini pill oral contraceptives, also known as progestin-only pills, are a birth control method most often prescribed to women who are breastfeeding or who cannot tolerate the side effects of combined oral contraceptives. The mini pill contains only progestin, while combined oral contraceptives contains both progestin and estrogen.
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Side Effects
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Mini pills are generally considered to have fewer side effects than combined oral contraceptives. According to a study published in the journal 'Contraception', there are more ectopic pregnancies associated with mini pills than combined pills.
Effectiveness
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The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports that mini pills are not quite as effective at preventing pregnancy as combined oral contraceptives. Mini pills must be taken at the same time each day or their effectiveness is greatly decreased.
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Ovulation
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Combined oral contraceptive pills prevent ovulation, but the mini pill does not. The mini pill works by thickening the cervical mucus and hindering the transportation of eggs through the fallopian tubes to prevent conception.
Placebo Pills
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While combined oral contraceptive packs contain a week of placebo pills, each pill in a progestin-only pack contains hormones necessary to prevent pregnancy.
Menstruation
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Combined oral contraceptives regulate menstruation so that a period will occur every 28 days. Mini pills do not regulate menstruation, and women taking mini pills may have more irregular cycles than women taking combined oral contraceptives.
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