Progestogen-only pill (mini-pill)
8-minute read
Key facts
- The progestogen-only pill (mini-pill) is a type of female oral contraception (birth control) used to prevent pregnancy.
- It works by making your cervical mucus thicker, making it difficult for sperm to enter your uterus.
- You need to take the progestogen-only pill (mini-pill) at the same time each day for it to work.
- Some possible side effects are headaches and changes to your period.
- There are alternative contraception choices to the progestogen-only pill (mini-pill) for both females and males, such as Slinda and intrauterine devices (IUDs).
What is the progestogen only mini-pill?
The progestogen-only pill, also called the mini-pill, is a type of oral contraception (birth control) used to prevent pregnancy.
The mini-pill contains a hormone called progestogen, which is like a hormone produced by your ovaries. The mini-pill has a smaller amount of progestogen than other oral contraceptives. This is why it's called a 'mini-pill'.
There are 2 types of mini-pill — Microlut and Noriday. Microlut contains levonorgestrel and Noriday contains norethisterone.
The mini-pill does not contain oestrogen.
LOOKING FOR A MEDICINE? — To search by brand name or active ingredient, use the Medicines information search feature.
How does the mini-pill work?
The mini-pill works by making your cervical mucus thicker at the entrance of your uterus. This makes it difficult for sperm to enter your uterus and fertilise an egg.
It comes in a packet of 28 pills. All the pills in the packet are active hormone pills. You take an active hormone pill each day. You don't take a break between packets.
This is different to some other pills, which have 4 inactive (sugar) pills in a packet.
You need a prescription from your doctor for the mini-pill.
What is the mini-pill used for?
The mini-pill is used to prevent pregnancy. It can also be used to help with menstruation (period) problems and endometriosis.
If used correctly, the mini-pill prevents 99% of pregnancies. It's typically about 93% effective.
The mini-pill doesn't work as well if you are under 25 years of age. Check with your doctor if it's the right contraceptive for you.
The mini-pill does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STI).
If vomit (be sick) or have serious diarrhoea, your pill may not work as well as normal.
Some medicines, such as epilepsy medicine, may affect how well the mini-pill works.
If you have concerns about other medicines you are taking, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What are the advantages of using the mini-pill?
There are many advantages to using the mini-pill for birth control, including:
- When used correctly, it's up to 99% effective.
- There are not many side effects.
- If you choose to stop taking it, your fertility will return to normal straight away.
- You can use it after you have given birth and when you're breastfeeding your baby.
- Your bone mineral density will not be affected.
- It's safe to use if you have been told to avoid contraceptives with oestrogen.
What are the possible side effects or risks of taking the mini-pill?
When taking the mini-pill, you might get:
These side effects usually stop a few months after you start taking it.
The mini-pill might also cause changes to your periods, such as:
- spotting
- irregular bleeding
- longer periods
- missing a period
Serious side effects from the mini-pill are rare. These can include:
- jaundice (skin turning yellow)
- anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction)
- hypertension (rise in blood pressure)
- blood clots
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
How do I take the mini-pill?
The mini-pill only needs to be taken once a day.
To work well, it needs to be taken in the same 3-hour time frame each day.
If you take your pill more than 3 hours late, you are more likely to become pregnant.
There are ways to help you take your pill regularly. You can:
- set a reminder on your phone
- store your medication somewhere that's easy to see, like near your toothbrush
- pick a time of day you are more likely to remember to take your pill
- talk about this with your doctor
If you start using the mini-pill in the first 5 days of your period, it starts working right away.
If you begin taking the pills on a different day, they will take 3 days to work. During these days, you should use another contraceptive, like condoms.
If you need to use another contraceptive, keep using it for 7 days after starting the mini-pill.
Speak to your doctor to find out when it's best for you to start using the mini-pills.
Who can take the mini-pill?
Most people can take the mini-pill.
You might not be able to take it if you:
- are pregnant
- have had breast cancer
- have lupus
- are using certain medicines such as epilepsy medicine
- have unusual bleeding from your vagina
- have used emergency contraception in the last 5 days
- have heart disease
What should I do if I am late taking my mini-pill?
If you are more than 3 hours late taking your mini-pill, it will NOT prevent pregnancy.
If you take it over 3 hours late, you should:
- take your pill as soon as you can
- take your next pill at your normal time — this may mean you take 2 pills on the same day
- use condoms or don't have sex until you have taken 3 pills at the correct time
You will not be protected from pregnancy until you have taken 3 pills at the correct time.
If you have had unprotected sex, you may need to use emergency contraception.
It's important that you take emergency contraception as soon as possible. There are 2 types of emergency contraception. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which is best for you.
When should I see my doctor?
If you want to know more about the mini-pill or want a prescription, speak to your doctor.
You can also get a prescription from:
- Family Planning Australia clinics
- youth health clinics
- community health clinics
Certain medicines can change how well the mini-pill works.
If you are taking other medicines, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting the mini-pill.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
Are there any alternatives to the mini-pill?
There are alternatives to the mini-pill.
Slinda is similar to the mini-pill. It's a daily pill that contains a progestogen hormone called drospirenone. It works by stopping ovulation (the release of an egg by the ovary). It also thickens the cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to get into your uterus.
There are other types of contraception, including:
- contraceptive implants
- intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- progestogen-only injections
- condoms
Speak to your doctor to find out which contraceptive is best for you.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
Resources and support
- Family Planning Alliance Australia has more information on the progestogen-only pill (mini-pill) and other types of contraception .
- The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne has advice for teens on contraception options.
- Jean Hailes has translated fact sheets on contraception.
- The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing offers information about reproductive health.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.