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Find out all you need to know about the mini pill
There are two types of contraceptive pill: the combined pill, and the progestogen-only pill, also known as the 'mini pill'. The progestogen only pill is a daily tablet that contains one hormone: progestogen.
The hormone makes it harder for sperm to get into the uterus (womb) and may also change the lining of the uterus so an egg cannot develop in it. It sometimes prevents an egg from being released by the ovaries each month.
Would you like to find out everything you need to know about the progestogen-only pill (mini pill) in under two minutes? We've created this short explainer video, filled with information about the mini pill:
If you do not have a routine and think you will not be able to take a pill at the same time each day, the mini pill may not be the right method for you, and you may wish to consider a LARC (Long-Acting Reversible Contraception) method.
In your first appointment with a doctor or clinician, you will discuss a range of contraceptive methods to find the one that suits you. Often, you will talk about your lifestyle, preferences, needs and medical history, and the clinician will assess the risks and benefits of contraceptive methods for the individual, considering all alternatives.
When taking your first pill, choose a convenient time to take it. This can be any time of the day. Once you've chosen a time you must then take one progestin-only pill at this same time every day
After you finish all the pills in the pack start a new pack the next day so there are no breaks between packs.
If you really don’t want to get pregnant, say for the next year at least, it’s worth thinking about a LARC method: LARC stands for long acting reversible contraception, such as the implant, coil and injection. Once these methods are fitted you can forget about them!
The pill works well at preventing pregnancy. However, its ability to stop a pregnancy largely depends on a person using it properly.
With typical use, up to 7 out of 100 users will become pregnant.
How long does the mini pill take to work?
If you start to take the mini pill during the first five days of your period, you will be protected against pregnancy immediately.
If you start to take the mini pill on any other day, you will not be protected against pregnancy until you've taken the pill for two days.
If you haven't quite made up your mind about contraception, you may want to consider a temporary or 'bridging' method to get you from now until you get the method of your choice without putting you at risk of an unwanted pregnancy.
The mini pill is the perfect 'bridging method', due to how quickly it protects against pregnancy.
As with all contraceptive methods, there are a range of advantages, disadvantages and potential side effects when taking the progestin-only pill (mini pill).
In the UK, you can get the mini pill for free from sexual health clinics, some GP surgeries and some young people's services.
Following its recent reclassification, you can also buy the mini pill directly from a pharmacy, without a prescription.
At MSI UK, we primarily offer contraception services as part of your abortion care. We also recently launched new contraception-only clinics in a number of areas, meaning you can access LARC (Long-Acting Reversible Contraception, such as the IUD, the IUS, the implant and the injection) with us without having had a termination of pregnancy. Follow the link to find out more: MSI UK Contraception Clinics
What to do if you miss a mini pill depends when you missed your pill, how many pills you have missed, and whether your mini pill contains desogestrel or not.
For more information on what to do if you miss a combined pill, read the NHS website: What should I do if I miss a pill (combined pill)?
It’s important to know more about different contraceptive options so that we can support you as best we can. Our digital counsellor "Choice" helps you find the best contraceptive options for you. Fill out a questionnaire about your lifestyle, preferences, needs and medical history, and you'll see a list of the most appropriate contraception options for you,.
