The mini pill is a type of hormonal contraception. It is also known as the progesterone only pill. You take it every day to prevent pregnancy, at around the same time each day. There are a few different types of mini pill:

• Desogestrel pill
• Levonorgestrel pill
• Norethisterone pill

Each of these mini pills contain only one type of hormone, a progestin. This is a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone that your body makes naturally. If you can’t take the combined pill, the mini pill might be a better option for you.

Talk to your GP or a nurse about what type of hormonal contraceptive might be suitable for you. You may have to try a few different types before you find something which is right for your body.

The progestin in the mini pill works to prevent pregnancy in a few different ways. The first way that the mini pill helps to prevent pregnancy is through slowing the development of follicles in the ovaries. This part of your cycle helps prepare your uterus to release an egg, so stopping it makes pregnancy less likely.

The mini pill can also prevent ovulation, meaning there’s no egg released to be fertilised. Taking the mini pill can also thicken the mucus in the cervix, making it harder for sperm to travel through. 3 It also works by making the lining of your uterus less suitable to an egg. 4

The mini pill only contains one type of hormone, a progestin. The combined pill contains a progestin as well as a synthetic form of another hormone called oestrogen.

The combined pill isn’t suitable for people who have certain medical conditions like migraine with aura, or if you’re over 35 and you smoke. Some people are also sensitive to the side effects that oestrogen can cause, like nausea. So, if the combined pill isn’t right for you, the mini pill may suit you better. 1

Another difference between the mini pill and the combined pill is how you take them. The mini pill needs to be taken every day for it to work well. With the combined pill, you usually have a break or take placebo pills for part of every month. This is so you can have a ‘withdrawal bleed’ or period.

The majority of mini pills available in the UK have one of three different active ingredients: levonorgestrel, desogestrel or norethisterone. All these ingredients are slightly different, but they are all synthetic forms of the hormone progesterone.

Pills with levonorgestrel and norethisterone have a three-hour window you need to take them in each day, while desogestrel pills have a twelve-hour window.

Although you can get generic forms of levonorgestrel, desogestrel and norethisterone, brand-named versions are available too. Generic and branded medications usually work in the same way, the only difference is that they may have different inactive ingredients. The names, packaging and price can also vary.

No. Other than condoms, most methods of contraceptive do not stop you from getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To reduce your risk of getting an STI, you should always use a condom when having sex.

It’s important to use protection, especially if you’re having sex with a new partner or someone you don’t know very well.

Having regular tests for STIs is also important. If an STI is left untreated it can lead to other health problems, such as infertility (not being able to have children naturally).

Talk to a health professional if you’re worried about STIs. They will be able to talk you through all the options available so that you and your partner can stay safe when having sex.

The mini pill can change your periods, but it won’t affect everyone in the same way. Because the mini pill stops your uterine lining from growing, it can stop your periods altogether. 5 So, it can be a good option if you have heavy or painful periods.

But everyone is different. Some people find they have lighter, less painful or irregular periods while taking the mini pill, or spotting between cycles. Others find their periods get heavier, or they have prolonged bleeding.

If your periods get very painful or uncomfortable, speak to your GP. They may suggest changing your contraceptive to a different method.

For some people, the mini pill may cause changes to their weight, whereas others may find they lose weight after taking the mini pill. Everybody reacts different to the mini pill and there are many factors that can cause a person’s weight to change.

There is no strong evidence to say either way that the mini pill causes weight gain, or weight loss. Some studies have found that people who take the mini pill do experience very slight weight gain compared to people who use non-hormonal contraception, but not compared to other hormonal methods. 6

Some types of mini pill require a prescription from your GP but others are available over the counter. Hana and Lovima are two brands that are available in local pharmacies. Talk to your pharmacist to find out which options are right for you.