Choosing a form of birth control often is a confusing and difficult task due to the numerous contraceptive options available. The mini-pill is a form of pregnancy prevention that, if taken correctly, provides women with an effective and safe method of birth control.
Single Ingredient
Unlike combination birth control pills, which contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, the mini-pill contains only progestin. The hormone in the mini-pill causes a thickening in the cervical mucus, thereby preventing sperm from entering the uterus.
Better Tolerated
Women who are unable to take birth control containing estrogen or who are concerned about the potential side effects and risks associated with combination pills are able to use the mini-pill as a form of contraception. Furthermore, according to the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), women who are breastfeeding, are at risk for heart disease or blood clots or have frequent migraines are able to take the mini-pill.
Easier Directions for Use
According to ACOG, women should take the mini-pill at the same time every day in order to achieve optimal effectiveness. Unlike with combination birth control pills, women taking the mini-pill can start taking the pill any day of the week. Furthermore, when taking this form of birth control, women take the pills consistently without pill-free days or placebo pill weeks.
Lower Effectiveness
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the mini-pill has a 5 percent failure rate. Although the mini-pill provides an effective form of pregnancy prevention if taken correctly, the mini-pill has a higher failure rate than that of combination birth control pills.
Fewer Side Effects
Side effects of the mini-pill are generally mild and include headache, breast tenderness and dizziness. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, irregular menstrual bleeding occurs in more than half of women taking the mini-pill. Irregular bleeding may manifest as spotting between cycles and ceasing to menstruate (amenorrhea) while taking the mini-pill. Amenorrhea is not harmful and often occurs after the woman has been on the progestin-only pill for more than six months.
Unique Advantages
The mini-pill is a discrete, effective and easily reversible method of birth control. Due to the composition of the mini-pill, it is ideal for women for whom estrogen is contraindicated. In addition, according to ACOG, the mini-pill offers some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease and both endometrial and ovarian cancer.
Fewer Disadvantages
While the mini-pill is an effective method of pregnancy prevention, it must be taken at the same time daily to maintain its efficacy. Side effects, including irregular bleeding, may make adherence to the method difficult for some women.
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