Oral contraception: The mini-pill

Prescribed to over 100,000 women in the UK as a daily form of contraception, the mini pill lowers the risk of conception during sex to less than 1%. The mini pill is a progestogen only pill (POP) offered to women above 35, who smoke, breastfeed, and to those allergic to oestrogens used in the combination pill (COC). It’s often the oestrogen used in the standard oral contraceptive pill that causes side effects, so choosing the mini pill as a method of contraception is generally considered a much safer option for certain groups of women. Popular versions of the mini pill include: Cerazette, Femulen, Micronor, Norgestron and Noriday. Each of these contraceptives is available with next day delivery at 121doc.

Will the mini pill provide me with full protection against pregnancy?

Scientific studies carried out on oral contraceptive pills shows that if 100 sexually active women took the mini pill correctly, for 12 months, less than two of them would fall pregnant. This tells us that the mini pill is a more trustworthy contraceptive than condoms and is on par with the coil (IUD) in terms of its effectiveness, although far more convenient to obtain and use.

Cerazette is one of the most popular mini pills available and has a failure rate of approximately 1% per year. This guideline applies only to women who use the pill correctly (taking the tablet every single day at roughly the same time each day). Failure to take the mini pill as instructed may not offer full protection against pregnancy during sex.

Who should not use the mini pill as a contraceptive?

Although generally well tolerated by the majority of users, there are precautions that must be taken to reduce the possibility of side effects. Women should consult their doctor or healthcare provider before taking the mini pill if they are affected by the following conditions:

• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding
• Severe artery disease
• Liver tumours
• Porphyria
• A history of breast cancer

How will the mini pill stop conception?

This type of oral contraceptive pill acts to prevent pregnancy in three different ways:

• It thickens the secretions round the neck of the womb, which makes it difficult for a sperm to get through
• It thins the lining of the womb to inhibit the implantation of an embryo
• It prevents the release of an egg from the ovaries

How do I take this contraceptive?

The mini pill is administered as a 28-day tablet pack, and unlike the combined pill all the tablets within a pack contain equal levels of progestogen. A tablet must be taken at the same time every day. If you miss one or more tablets you may not be fully protected against pregnancy. Always read the patient leaflet before you start taking the pill.

Can I order the mini pill online?

You can place a discreet order at 121doc for the mini pill and, on a doctor’s approval, receive your medication within 24 hours. There’s no doctor’s appointment or prescription necessary; if your order is approved your course of tablets will be delivered to your chosen address on the same day via the 121doc partner courier service.