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Oral Contraceptive PillsThis section: The Mini Pill | Min-Pill Brands | Combined Pill Progestin-Only Oral Contraceptives (Estrogen-Free Pills)
About The Mini-PillProgestin-Only Pills (POP), also called the mini-pill, are estrogen-free oral contraceptive pills taken daily to prevent pregnancy. Oral contraceptive pills come in many formulations and brands, and the estrogen-free mini-pill has fewer unwanted side-effects than traditional combined oral contraceptives. The trade-off is that mini-pils are less effective and can cause irregular menstruation. Popular brands of progestin-only pills include Micronor, Nora-BE, and Nor-QD. Estrogen-free oral contraceptives are available by prescription only. The mimi-pil always comes in 28-day packs, and all the pills within a pack contain the same progestin. To prevent pregnancy, the pills must be taken at the same time every day. How Progestin-Only Oral Contraceptives WorkLike all hormonal contraceptives, the mini-pill has multiple mechanisms of action, some which prevent ovulation and others that occur after fertilization but before implantation. Progestin is a female hormone that can inhibit ovulation, so no egg means that the male sperm cannot fertilize it. These women will usually stop having periods altogether. However, many women taking the mini-pill will continue to ovulate every month (about half), and in these cases changes to the lining of the uterus will prevent the implantation of an embryo. The progestin may also cause a thickening of cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg. This effect on cervical mucus, however, starts to drop off sharply if a woman is only a few hours late in taking her next pill, thus it is critical that pills be taken at the same time every day.
Benefits of Progestin-Only Oral ContraceptivesDoctors tend to recommend the mini-pill to breastfeeding women because it does not reduce the amount of milk produced, although there have been concerns about exposing the new infant to unnecessary steroids. Mini-pills are also considered safer than combined OCs, as many of the vascular risks are greatly reduced with the omission of the estrogen component. That means less risk for older women, smokers, and those with heart problems. Side Effects and Health Risks of Progestin-Only Oral ContraceptivesHealth risks and side effects include ectopic pregnancy, depression, and menstrual cycle disturbances. Oral contraceptives do not protect against STDs, and current research indicates that oral contraceptives increase the risk of acquiring HIV from an infected partner. Drug Interactions for Oral ContraceptivesCertain medications have been known to decrease the effectiveness of progestin-only oral contraceptive pills. These include antibiotics, anticonvulsants, certain anti-HIV drugs, and the herbal supplement St. John's Wort. Mini-Pill Brands
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CONTRACEPTIVE INFORMATION Up-to-date facts about your birth control options. Don't wait until your period is late. Download our own Epigee birth control guide today! Now updated for 2008. |
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