Progestin-only birth control pills work the same as regular birth control pills but because they don’t contain estrogen there may not be as many side effects. They are often called the “mini-pill” and are available in a monthly pack.
Advantages of the Progestin-only pill
Progestin-only pills are especially good for women who are sensitive to estrogen and women who are breastfeeding as they do not affect breast milk production. The mini-pill can be helpful in decreasing migraine headache with auras and heavy and painful menstrual problems in women. It is safe for women over 35. It is also safe for women who smoke and those who are affected by heart problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, and have a history of blood clots.
Disadvantages of the Progestin-only pill
Some women may experience spotting between their periods for a few months after first taking the mini-pill. Although this can be inconvenient, there is no health risk involved. The bleeding should go away on its own after a few months of use. If the bleeding seems heavy or continues to bother you, make an appointment with your doctor.
The progestin-only pill has to be taken for a whole month before it can prevent pregnancy. So for the first month use another type of birth control, such as the Sponge or a condom.
If you take the progestin-only pill more than three hours late than regularly scheduled, you’ll have to use a condom (or not have sex) until your next period.
If for even one day you forget to take the mini-pill, you must use another type of birth control until your next period. Two progestin-only pills can not be taken at the same time to make up for the missed pill.
The progestin-only pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Effectiveness of the pill will be affected by any episodes of diarrhea or vomiting.
Side effects may include:
- Irregular menstrual cycles.
- Spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods.
- Sore breasts.
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Dizziness.
- Weight gain.
Other types of progestin-only birth control include Depo-Provera, Mirena IUD, and Implanon.
Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, birth control types (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control(prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
