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Mini Pill Side Effects

Mini Pill Side Effects
Mini Pill Side Effects

What are the side effects of the Progestin-only Pill?

Side effects are not signs of illness, and most of them will usually decrease or disappear within the first few months of using the pill. While they may be common, some women do not experience them at all. The commonly reported side effects of the pill include:
– changes in the users’ bleeding patterns including irregular, infrequent, frequent, and prolonged bleeding, or no bleeding at all (breastfeeding mothers may experience a delayed return of their periods because breastfeeding will usually affect your bleeding patterns);
– headaches;
– dizziness;
– abdominal pain;
– sore breasts;
– mood changes; and
– nausea (to help avoid nausea, take pills with food or at bedtime).
Women who are not breastfeeding may develop enlarged ovarian follicles [8].

Risks

Compared to the combined oral contraceptive, it is slightly less effective in preventing pregnancy. This is because it does not prevent ovulation better than estrogen-containing pills.
If you fall pregnant while taking the progestin-only pill, there is a small risk that it might be an ectopic pregnancy. However, ectopic pregnancy is far less likely to occur when taking the progestin-only pill than when not using any method of modern contraceptive.
If, after three months, you feel the side effects are more than you can accept, switch methods, and stay protected. Condoms offer good protection while you find a method that suits your needs. Remember, the progestin-only pill does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.

Can Progestin-only Birth control pills cause acne?

While progestin does not cause acne, it is one of the contributing factors. Progestin increases sebum(a sticky and oily substance produced by skin production). Excess sebum on the skin may block the pores and provide the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. This condition causes the skin to break out. This type of acne is known as hormonal acne. Suppose you get acne while on the Progestin-only pill, discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider. If this side effect is more than you can bear, you can always consider switching to a different contraceptive method.

Is there a relationship between Progestin-only pills and cancer?

A recent study conducted by PLOS medicine journal indicates that using the Progestin-only Pill predisposes someone to a small risk of breast cancer, similar to the risk found in combined contraceptive pills. However, this risk is higher in women of older age but will often go away within a few years after stopping usage. On a positive note, the same pills protect women from other female cancers like cancer of the uterus and ovarian cancer. If you are considering using the Progestin-only pill as your contraception, you should discuss all the pros and cons with your healthcare provider.

Should I be worried about Progestin-only Birth control Pills causing spotting?

Spotting or bleeding in between periods is a common side effect of the Progestin-only birth control pill, especially if you have started using the pills in the last two months. It happens as your body is getting used to the new method. Bleeding in between periods is caused by fluctuating hormones. In a typical cycle, the progesterone and estrogen hormones found naturally in a woman’s body help to build and sustain the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy. The introduction of progestin to the uterus upsets that balance. This may cause on-and-off bleeding or spotting.
For most users, it will take a few months for the body to get used to the method and resume its normal cycle. If the spotting does not subside and you are still interested in estrogen-free contraceptives, you can discuss other Progestin-only options like implants or injectables with your healthcare provider.

Contraception Quiz

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External Condom

Compare with similar Contraceptive Methods

Are you wondering if condoms are better than daily pills? Or if you should opt for a birth control implant? We're here to assist you in making this decision. You can select up to 5 contraceptive methods and compare them side by side to weigh the pros and cons of each.

Give a try to our Contraceptive Tool

In the example below, you'll find similar methods to the one you're currently reading about. Feel free to click on any that catch your interest or revisit our Contraceptive Methods page

Birth Control Ring

Hormonal

What is it?
The vaginal ring is a small, bendable ring that is inserted into the vagina as a form of contraception.
Effectiveness
  • It's 93-99% effective.
  • Pros
    • It can result in regular, less painful, and lighter periods.
    • It has a lower dose of hormones compared to other hormonal contraceptive methods.
    • It doesn’t delay the ability to get pregnant after stopping use.
    Cons
    • It requires regular upkeep as you have to replace it on time, once a month.
    • It doesn’t offer long-lasting protection and is only effective with regular use. It’s worn for three weeks, followed by a week with no ring in place.
    • The most common side effect is irregular bleeding for the first few months and then lighter and more regular bleeding may occur.
    • Other side effects include headaches, nausea, stomach bloating, sore breasts, weight changes, and vaginitis.
    Contraceptive Patch

    Hormonal

    The patch is a thin, square 5cm Band-Aid-like item containing progestin and estrogen hormones. It's stuck onto the body to prevent pregnancy.
  • It's 93- 99% effective.
    • It can result in more regular, lighter, and less painful periods.
    • It remains effective even when you vomit or have diarrhea.
    • It doesn’t delay the ability to get pregnant after stopping use.
    • It’s not easy to hide as it can be seen on your body.
    • It requires regular upkeep. A new patch is applied each week for three weeks, followed by a week with no patch.”
    • It doesn’t provide long-lasting protection, and it’s only effective when used properly within each monthly cycle.
    • The most common side effect is irregular bleeding for the first few months, and then lighter and more regular bleeding may occur.
    • Other side effects are potential skin irritation, nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and vaginitis. Side effects are not harmful and will usually ease up after a few months.
    Progestin-Only Contraceptive Pill

    Hormonal

    The progestin-only contraceptive pill is a small single-hormone tablet taken to prevent pregnancy.
  • It's 99% effective for breastfeeding women.
  • It's 93% effective for non-breastfeeding women.
    • It has low doses of hormones (progestin only).
    • It can be used by women who smoke and are above 35 years old.
    • It relieves PMS symptoms and period cramps.
    • The most common side effect is a change in bleeding patterns (irregular, prolonged, or no bleeding at all).
    • Other side effects include headaches, dizziness, abdominal pain, sore breasts, mood changes, and nausea.
    • The side effects are not harmful but may be uncomfortable.
    Emergency Contraceptive Pills (Morning After Pill)

    Hormonal

    The emergency contraceptive pill is taken to prevent pregnancy after unsafe sex.
  • It's 99% effective.
    • It’s safe for all women, including those who cannot use a regular hormonal contraceptive method.
    • It doesn’t require a prescription or medical consultation to access it.
    • It doesn’t delay a return to fertility.
    • It’s not easy to hide. It may be found in your bag.
    • It doesn’t provide long-term protection. It offers one-time protection and is only effective when taken within five days of having unprotected sex.
    • It may cause nausea and vomiting, slightly irregular vaginal bleeding, and fatigue. The side effects are not harmful.
    • It’s not recommended for use as a regular contraceptive.
    Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill

    Hormonal

    The combined oral contraceptive pill is a small tablet with a daily dose of combined hormones, packaged for each month, to prevent pregnancy.
  • It is 93% - 99% effective.
    • It’s easily available (no prescription needed).
    • It gives you control over when to have a period.
    • It can reduce ovulation pains, premenstrual cramps, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
    • It offers long-lasting protection, but it’s only effective with regular daily use.
    • It’s difficult to hide and may be found by an uncooperative partner!
    • The most common side effect is a change in bleeding patterns (spotting between periods, lighter bleeding, or no bleeding at all). Some women experience mild headaches, weight changes, and upset stomachs.
    • The side effects are not harmful and disappear after a few months.

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