| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
There are hormones in each Mini-Pill; there are no spacer pills. It is important to take a pill every day, preferably at the same time each day. Forgetting a Mini-Pill or taking it late increases the chance of pregnancy more than missing a regular birth control pill. You can improve the effectiveness of Mini-Pills by adding a backup method, like condoms or spermicide. This is most important during the first three months, and days eight through eighteen of your menstrual cycle after the first three months. Starting Mini-Pills:
After the First Pack:
If you have problems with the Mini-Pill, call the clinic. DO NOT STOP taking the Mini-Pills unless you want to get pregnant or can use another method of birth control. 3 or more hours late: Take a pill as soon as your remember. Use a backup method for 48 hours. 1 pill missed: Take a pill as soon as you remember and take the next one at the usual time. This may mean taking two pills in one day. If you only miss one pill and make it up, you probably will not get pregnant. Use a backup method for 2 weeks. 2 pills missed: Take 2 pills each day for the next 2 days. Use a backup method for 2 weeks. You may have some spotting or bleeding. If the bleeding is like a period, call the clinic. 3 or more pills missed: Use a backup method and call the clinic for instructions. NEVER TAKE MORE THAN 2 PILLS IN 1 DAY.
Every woman is different and Mini-Pills are not recommended for all women. Due to the risk of serious health problems, women with unexplained vaginal bleeding, known or suspected pregnancy, or breast cancer should not use Mini-Pills. Mini-Pills may not be recommended for women who are concerned with weight gain, have liver disease, gallbladder disease, heart disease, diabetes, or a history of depression. Risks:
Benefits:
The most common side effect for women using Mini-Pills is irregular bleeding. While many women on Mini-Pills have normal periods, others may have irregular periods, spotting between periods or no periods at all. If you do not bleed for 60 days, call the clinic to arrange for a pregnancy test but continue taking your pills. Other possible side effects of the Mini-Pill are mood changes, headaches, and lowered sex drive. Some of the typical side effects of regular birth control pills, such as nausea, and breast tenderness, usually do not occur with Mini-Pills. The effectiveness of Mini-Pills is lowered when taken with certain medications. These drugs include rifampin and anti-seizure medications. If you are taking any medications, tell your clinician. When taking medications that may interfere with Mini-Pills, consider adding a backup method of birth control, like condoms and spermicide. As with all drugs, it is useful to inform all your medical providers if you are using hormonal birth control.
Women who want to become pregnant may stop using Mini-Pills at any time. Fertility may return immediately or after a few months.
Emergency Contraception (The "Morning After" Pill - "Plan B" - "EC") You can prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse by having a copper IUD inserted within one week of unprotected intercourse or by taking emergency Emergency Contraception pills (Plan B). The pills work best in the first 24 to 48 hours but may work for several days. You can get one brand - Plan B - from your local pharmacy without a prescription if you are 17 years or older. If you are under 17 or if you want to use your insurance, you can get the prescription right at the pharmacy by talking with the pharmacist. Go to your local pharmacy to find out more, or call Cedar River Clinics at 800-572-4223 to get Plan B in Renton or Tacoma. To find Emergency Contraception, see ec.princeton.edu. If you already have birth control pills in your possession, this page explains how to use them as emergency contraception. In Washington State, you can get Plan B directly from your pharmacy. Call ahead to make sure they have it in stock. Some women are buying Plan B in advance so they will have it on hand if they need it. If you are uninsured and live in Washington State, you may qualify for FREE birth control under the State sponsored program called Take Charge. Teens do not need parent's permission. Call 800-770-4334 to find out if you qualify for Take Charge. Then you can apply for Take Charge at Cedar River Clinics. Cedar River Clinics in Renton and Tacoma, WA make birth control and abortion accessible so that women may decide their futures.
Updated June 8, 2011 |
|
sponsored by Feminist Women's Health Center Cedar River Clinics in Washington State
|
