Mini-Pill Vs. Combination Pills
The mini-pill is an oral contraceptive and contains a synthetic form of progesterone called progestin. It is often prescribed to women who are breast-feeding or who struggle with side effects of other oral contraceptives that contain estrogen and progesterone. Progestin is the only active ingredient in the mini-pill meaning it is solely responsible for preventing pregnancy. Some of the mini-pill's side effects can be similar to other oral contraceptives but are generally milder than pills containing estrogen. Side effects may include breast tenderness, headaches, spotting and mood changes, according to Epigee.org. Benefits of the mini-pill may include fewer menstrual cramps, reduction in acne problems and the reduction of hormones transferring into the breast milk of breast-feeding mothers.
Procedure
The mini-pill is taken every day of the cycle. Unlike other birth control pills, there are no inactive pills to help a woman remember to take the pill. Every pill in a pack contains hormones and once one pack is completed a new one is started. If a woman misses a pill she is no longer protected from pregnancy and should rely on a backup method of birth control. Until a woman has consistently taken the mini-pill for three months she is not entirely protected from pregnancy. When used properly, it is about 97 percent effective in preventing pregnancy according to the the University of Washington Medical Department. In order for this level of efficacy the pill must be taken at exactly the same time every day. This ensures the progesterone in a woman's body is maintained at a stable level that is required for preventing pregnancy.
Effects on Conception
By maintaining these levels of progesterone, the mini-pill affects a woman's ability to conceive in a number of ways. According to FamilyDoctor.org, the progestin-only pill makes the body "think" the woman is pregnant and discontinues the release of eggs from the ovary. Without dropping an egg into the fallopian tubes and then into the uterus, fertilization cannot occur from sexual intercourse. A second effect the mini-pill has is the changes it creates in the uterus. The min-pill thins the lining of the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from implanting into the lining and developing, according to Epigee.org. The hormones also increase the amount of mucus in the cervix to trap and prevent sperm from reaching an egg, if one happens to drop from the ovaries.
