Mini Pill
The Pill
AKA
Progestogen Only Pill
Efficacy
91% typical; 99.7% perfect.
Routine
Every day
STI protection
No
Pros
Easy to access, easily reversible, progestogen only.
Cons
Highly user dependent, may cause side effects, requires a script.
How does the Mini Pill work?
The Mini Pill is a different contraceptive method to The Pill. While The Pill uses two hormones to work, the Mini Pill only contains progestogen, and has no oestrogen in it. This means that it doesn’t affect your ovulation cycle, and instead prevents pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucous which stops sperm from getting through into your uterus.
Tip: The Mini Pill has to be taken at the same time every day, so if you’re the forgetful type, it’s a good idea to set an alarm on your phone.
How do I use the Mini-Pill?
Step 1. The progestogen only pill comes in a variety of different forms all of which require a script. Before considering this method you will need to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss which type of the Mini-Pill is right for you.
Step 2. Once you have a script for the Mini Pill, make sure that you discuss with your doctor or Pharmacist the correct way to take what you’ve been prescribed.
Step 3. The most important thing to remember with the Mini-Pill is that you need to take it at the same time, every day. Make sure you leave it in a place where you will see it at the same time in your daily routine. If necessary set an alert or alarm to go off at the same time each day (and don’t forget to take it with you if you travel).
Explore more methods
MALE CONDOM
(Rubber, Prophylactic)
Condoms are a barrier that’s placed on an erect penis to prevent contact with the vulva and vaginal canal.
FEMALE CONDOM
(Femidom)
The female condom wraps the inside of the vaginal canal and covers the vulva, preventing a penis from coming into contact with either.
DIAPHRAGM
(Caya)
A diaphragm is a small cap that sits at the entrance to your cervix and prevents sperm from getting through.
THE PILL
(Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill, Contraceptive Pill)
The pill contains oestrogen and progestogen which work together to prevent ovulation, and to thicken cervical mucous; preventing sperm from getting through.
THE MINI PILL
(Progestogen Only Pill)
The mini pill contains progestogen which prevents pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucous, stopping sperm from getting through into the uterus.
VAGINAL RING
(Contraceptive Ring, Combined Hormonal Ring)
A thin band that contains oestrogen and progestogen which work together to prevent ovulation, preventing sperm from getting through.
IMPLANT
(Rod, Bar, Contraceptive Implant)
A small bar inserted into the upper arm that slowly releases progestogen into your bloodstream; preventing ovulation, and thickening the cervical mucous; preventing sperm from getting through.
INJECTION
(Jab)
A 150mg dose of progestogen hormone, it prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucous which prevents sperm from getting through.
HORMONAL IUD
(Intrauterine System, IUS)
Releases small quantities of progestogen to your reproductive system. This thickens the mucous of your cervix, so sperm can’t get through.
COPPER IUD
(IUD, Non-hormonal IUD, The Coil)
Releases very low levels of copper ions which affect sperm’s ability to move. Also stops fertilised eggs from implanting in the uterine wall.
TUBAL LIGATION
(Getting your tubes tied, Female Sterilisation)
Surgically creating a block so any potential sperm can’t gain passage along the fallopian tubes.
VASECTOMY
(The Snip, Male Sterilisation)
A vasectomy involves cutting and separating the vas deferens, which are the tubes that move sperm from the testicles to the penis.
FERTILITY AWARENESS
(FAM, Rhythm Method, Calendar Method, Period tracking)
A system of monitoring when ovulation occurs and making sure unprotected sex only occurs on days of minimal fertility.
WITHDRAWAL METHOD
(Pull out method, Coitus Interruptus)
The act of withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculating.
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION PILLS
(Morning After Pill)
Works by preventing or delaying ovulation, ensuring any viable sperm will be out of the body by the time an egg is released.