Definition:
These pills are a type of oral contraceptive that contain a synthetic form of the progesterone hormone and have no estrogen.Also Known As:
The Mini-Pill and POP (Progestin-Only Pill)Pack Size:
The Mini-Pill is only available in a 28-day pack. A woman will take a pill every day for the 4 week cycle, and all 28 pills are considered active. Active pills contain the hormone that prevents a woman from becoming pregnant. Menstruation usually occurs during the fourth week even though the woman is still taking active pills.Comparison to Combination Pills:
Progestin-only pills are slightly less effective than the combined pill; however, they also tend to cause less side effects.How They Work:
They thicken the cervical mucus (the substance at the opening of the uterus) which makes it harder for sperm to reach and fertilize the egg. POP’s may prevent a woman's body from releasing an egg during her monthly menstrual cycle. However, ovulation may not be consistently prevented by these pills.Candidates for Progestin-Only Pills:
Because mini-pills do not contain estrogen, they can be a good alternative for women who can not use combined oral contraceptives. These include:- Cigarette smokers over the age of 35
- Women with a history of blood clots
- Women with high blood pressure
- Women who experience extreme migraine headaches
Progestin Types:
There are typically 2 different types of progestin hormones found in mini-pills that mimic the natural hormone of progesterone.POPS’s can contain the following synthetic hormones:
1. Norethindrone - the following brand name pills contain this hormone:
- Ortho Micronor
- Errin
- Aygestin
- Nor-QD
- Camila
- Jolivette
- Nora-BE
2. Norgestrel - the following brand name pill contains this hormone:
- Ovrette
