Minipill (progestin-only birth control pill)

Overview: 

Minipill is a progestin-only pill or POP. It is a type of birth control pill taken by mouth. Birth control pills are medications taken to prevent pregnancy that contain both estrogen and progestin.  It should be taken daily to avoid becoming pregnant effectively. 

Minipill is a birth control pill that contains progestin. Progestin is a synthetic form of naturally produced progesterone. Progesterone plays a crucial role in menstruation and pregnancy. Minipill can be taken by prescription only. 

Mechanism of Action: 

Minipills are effective when they have perfect use instead of typical use. Ideal use is when the medications are used correctly all the time, while typical use is what actually happens (missing the dose). 

The progestin functions to hinder pregnancy by thickening cervical mucus, preventing the sperm from reaching the uterus. It may halt ovulation or have no effect on it in some women. Additionally, it induces thinning of the uterine lining. 

Indications: 

Minipill is a method of birth control pill that prevents pregnancy and stops heavy or painful menstrual cycles. This pill is indicated when one wants to plan the pregnancy later. It is also indicated in a type of skin irritation called estrogen dermatitis related to the menstrual cycle. One can consider taking minipills when they have had a birth and are not planning pregnancy immediately. It is safer to take during breastfeeding as it does not impact the amount of breast milk production. Minipill is also indicated in certain health conditions, like the history of blood clots in the legs or lungs. It is also indicated when an individual has hypertension or cardiac issues. It is indicated as a preferred birth control pill over estrogen-containing birth control pills. This is due to the possible side effects of estrogen-containing birth control pills. 

Contraindications: 

Minipills are not indicated when one has a past or present history of breast cancer. It is also not indicated when one has liver diseases like jaundice, liver tumors, Hepatitis, and cirrhosis of the liver. In case of unexplained uterine or vaginal bleeding or one is taking medications for infections like tuberculosis or HIV. Minipills are not indicated in individuals who have Lupus. 

Advantages of Minipill:

Minipills have the advantage of avoiding pregnancy immediately after birth. One can become pregnant immediately after stopping the mini pill as it does not affect ovulation. It does not affect sexual intimacy. It is advantageous in women who have heavy bleeding and painful menstrual cycles. It is also beneficial when one cannot take estrogen-containing pills. Minipills can be taken when an individual has Deep venous thrombosis or uncontrolled blood pressure. 

Disadvantages of the Minipill: 

These are less effective than estrogen-containing birth control pills, as mini pills do not affect ovulation. The chances of ectopic pregnancy increase when one takes a mini pill after becoming pregnant. It does not guard against sexually transmitted infections.

These should be taken simultaneously daily; any missed dose decreases efficiency. They can have certain interactions with medications. Medications like rifampicin, anti-seizure medications, and medications to treat HIV can interact with the minipills. Hence, an HCP should always be informed. 

Usage of the pills:

Minipills must be taken only under prescription by a healthcare provider (HCP). An HCP analyses the present medical condition, past medical history, and drug history to check for any status of pregnancy and usage of any birth control pills and medications that can affect the functioning of the minipills. 

Minipills are active medications that contain hormones. They can be taken at any time during the menstrual cycle. If an individual uses the mini pill during the first five days of having a menstrual cycle, there is no need to start using a backup control pill or avoiding sex during the recommended two days of the cycle. 

One need not use an additional backup birth control pill if an individual is taking the mini pill between 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum and does not get a period or after an abortion or a pregnancy loss. One need not use a backup birth control within the first 21 days of postpartum and not breastfeeding. One need not go for an additional birth control method when switching from one birth control method to another.

If an individual is taking the minipill 5 days after the start of a period, it is better to have an additional birth control measure or to avoid sexual intercourse. If an individual is switching from an intrauterine device, one can wait for 2 days till the device is removed and start the pills or use another form of birth control measures. 

In case of missing a pill by more than 3 hours, one should take a pill immediately to avoid further delay and have another birth control method like condoms as a backup. It is also better to avoid having sex for the next two days. If one is planning for pregnancy, stop taking the pills to get pregnant. 

Risks and Side Effects: 

The main risk associated with the use of mini pills is pregnancy. The risk of pregnancy is high in the first year when an individual misses the dose and does not take it at the same time. However, with perfect use of the pill, the chance of becoming reduces. Pregnancy during minipill usage increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus). 

Some side effects that minipills cause are irregular menstrual bleeding and spotting, acne, breast tenderness, reduced sexual drive, depression, headaches, nausea, and ovarian cyst development. 

Conclusion: 

Minipill is a convenient and effective contraceptive option for individuals seeking to prevent pregnancy. Being a progestin-containing pill, it reduces the chance of fertilization. It is well-tolerated, and when used with proper timing and adherence, it is effective in preventing unplanned pregnancies.