The minipill is another form of oral contraceptive. In contrast to the combined oral contraceptive ('the pill') the minipill contains only the hormone progestin. It is therefore also known as the progestin-only pill or POP.

The minipill is a suitable alternative for women who have problems with the estrogen-progestin combined pill but who still want to enjoy the benefits of hormonal contraception in tablet form. The minipill is also suitable for women who are breast-feeding.

The minipill has a different mode of action from the combined oral contraceptive and is also less reliable.

It is taken daily without a 7-day break. Taking the minipill calls for a lot of discipline. You must not take the minipill more than three hours after your usual time. There are certain procedures to be followed if you miss a minipill. These are explained below.

This minipill is also a drug which can have side-effects.

And there are some things to bear in mind about the minipill and travel.

Minipill ≠ Micropill

The micropill is a low-dose combined oral contraceptive. It contains an estrogen and a progestin.
The minipill contains only a progestin.