How effective is the “mini-pill”?
Micronor® is a progestin-only birth control pill (“mini-pill”). Its main method of action is to thicken the cervical mucus thus preventing the passage of sperm. Other mechanisms of action include thinning the lining of the uterus (to inhibit implantation), and suppression ovulation (in only 50% of cases). The hormonal pills must be taken every day (no pill-free interval), within a 3-hour window. The stringent rules for its use results in reported failure rates that range from 0.3% (for perfect use) to 8% (typical use). Using a backup method such as condoms will decrease the risk of unintended pregnancies. This birth control pill is used more commonly in women with a contraindication to estrogen containing contraceptives (such as complicated migraines, smokers over 35 years of age, or previous leg /lung clots), or breastfeeding mothers.
