THE MINI PILL (progestin-only oral contraceptives)

	What is the "Mini Pill"?
	How does the Mini Pill work?
	How effective is the Mini Pill?
	Am I a good candidate for the Mini Pill?
	Are there any reasons why I shouldn't use the Mini Pill?
	What are the common side effects of the Mini Pill?
	What are the benefits of the Mini Pill?
	When do I start the Mini Pill?
	How do I take the Mini Pill?
	What If I miss a Mini Pill?
	Are there any warning signs I should look out for once I start the Mini Pill?

You must wait for your next period to start the mini pill.  This ensures that you are NOT pregnant when you start the mini pill.  Start the mini pill on the first day of your next period.

The mini pill may also be started after pregnancy.  You may start the mini pill on the same day as a termination of pregnancy.  You may also start the mini pill after a fullterm delivery.  The mini pill is safe for breastfeeding mothers and can be started six weeks after giving birth.  Women who are not breastfeeding can begin the mini pill 3 weeks after delivery.

You must take one mini pill every day. Unlike the combined pill, each mini pill has the same hormone content and there is NOT a hormone free week (week of reminder pills); you must take one mini pill every day.  Do NOT skip the last week of pills.  It is even more important to take the mini pill at the same time every day as varying the time even by a few hours greatly increases the risk of getting pregnant.  The mini pill works by causing the cervical mucus to thicken and create the most effective barrier against sperm and it takes about four hours for this effect to be optimum.  Therefore, the best time to take the mini pill is four hours before the most likely time of intercourse.  Given that bedtime is the most frequent time of sexual intercourse, taking the mini pill several hours earlier may provide the greatest protection against pregnancy.

 If you miss a mini pill:

Missed 1 mini pill.  Take the missed mini pill NOW and the next mini pill at the usual time (this may entail taking 2 pills now). If the forgotten pill is more than 3 hours late, use a backup method of birth control (such as condoms) for at least 48 hours. You may have some breakthrough bleeding or spotting for the remainder of the pill pack. 

Missed 2 or more mini pills.  Take 2 pills NOW and 2 pills a day.  There is an increased chance that you could become pregnant.  Start using a backup method of contraception immediately. If you have unprotected sex after forgetting your mini pill, ask your doctor about emergency contraception.

Call your doctor if you have any of the following problems:

	severe lower abdominal pain (may be due to an ovarian cyst or ectopic pregnancy)
	repeated, very painful headaches
	delayed period after several months of regular cycles may be a sign of pregnancy