Patient guide to the mini-pill

About the mini-pill

The mini-pill is a form of contraception containing one female sex hormone, progestogen. Unlike the combined pill, the mini-pill does not contain oestrogen.

The mini-pill works by preventing ovulation. This means that an egg is usually not released from the ovary. It also thickens the mucus in the cervix, making it harder for sperm to enter the womb. The lining of the womb is also affected so that an egg cannot attach to it.

When taken correctly, the mini-pill protects very effectively against pregnancy. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use a condom if there is a risk of sexually transmitted infections, for example with a new partner.

The mini-pill is a form of contraception containing progestogen, taken daily without a break between packs.

How to take the mini-pill

Take the first mini-pill on the first day of your period. It is important to be certain that you are not pregnant when you start the mini-pill. You must therefore use another form of contraception, for example a condom, until you can take the first mini-pill.

Take one tablet every day at roughly the same time. It can help to link taking the pill to a regular routine, such as brushing your teeth or going to bed. Take the mini-pill every day without a break between packs. When you finish one pack, start the next pack the following day.

You will normally have a period-like bleed once a month. However, irregular or absent bleeding is common when taking the mini-pill.

If you miss a pill by more than 12 hours, so that more than 36 hours have passed since your last pill, vomit shortly after taking the pill or have severe diarrhoea, protection against pregnancy may be reduced. Read the patient information leaflet to find out what to do, or contact the clinic for advice about your situation. You may need to use condoms for a time.

Side effects

Side effects are common at first. Most become less troublesome within 2-3 months, but some women have lasting changes to their bleeding pattern. Some have spotting, some bleed more often or for longer, and others bleed rarely or not at all. It is not harmful to have no bleeding when you take the mini-pill correctly.

Other possible side effects include:

• breast tenderness
• nausea
• headache
• mood swings and, in rare cases, depression
• changes in sex drive
• spots
• stomach discomfort
• increased appetite

Checks at the clinic

After starting the mini-pill, you must come for a check at the clinic after 3 months. After that, regular checks are not needed when taking the mini-pill.

You will usually get a prescription allowing repeat dispensing for up to 3 years. After that, you can request a new prescription for your mini-pill electronically.

However, it is important to contact the clinic in the following situations:

• If side effects are very troublesome
• If you are unsure how to take the pills
• If you are diagnosed with breast cancer
• If you are diagnosed with liver disease
• If you are diagnosed with a blood clot
• If you have bleeding triggered by sex
• If you want to change your form of contraception

Clinically updated 24 June 2026