What is the minipill?
The minipill contains a very small amount of only one hormone, progesterone. It is sometimes called the progesterone-only pill. It works mainly by making the mucus at the entrance of the uterus (womb) thicker, so that sperm cannot get through to meet an egg. It also works by changing the lining of the uterus. In some women it can stop the monthly release of the egg. The minipill prevents pregnancy but is not quite as effective as the combined pill. The minipill needs to be taken at exactly the same time every day. Often women who are breastfeeding take the minipill as it will not affect the milk supply. There are very few side effects with the minipill, but it is fairly common to have spot bleeding between periods and periods may be further apart or closer than usual.
