The progesterone-only pill (mini-pill)

This pill contains a synthetic hormone (progestogen) similar to the hormone produced by the female body. In certain cases, hormones may affect women’s health. It is best to talk to a doctor about your personal situation.

How it works

The progesterone-only pill

• prevents ovulation (release of an egg) as the ovaries become inactive.
• alters the lining of the uterus (endometrium) so that implantation of a fertilised egg is not possible.
• makes the cervical mucus thicker, thus preventing sperm from entering the uterus.

If used correctly, the method of contraception prevents pregnancy.

How to use it

• When starting the pill for the first time : start the packet on the first day of your period = immediate protection against pregnancy. If you start the method after day 2 of your period (day 2 of your menstrual cycle) , use a condom for the first seven days.
• Take it every day at the same time (it is possible to forget it without any risk for a maximum of 12 hours).
• The progestogen only pill is taken everyday without a break: Start a new packet of pills immediately (whether you have any bleeding or not). Do not stop taking pills.
• After childbirth, begin from the 21st day. Contraception is only assured after the pill has been taken for 7 days.

Menstruation (your monthly period) may be lighter and less painful. Bleeding can sometimes be irregular and it is possible that there may be no bleeding at all.

If you…

…experience breakthrough bleeding while using the contraceptive, this is nothing to worry about. Keep taking the pill as usual. If the irregular bleeding continues in the months following, consult a doctor.

…vomit or have diarrhoea, it is possible that the pill’s efficiency is lessened and therefore you need to continue taking the pill as well as using a condom during 7 days If you vomit within three hours of taking a pill or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours: take another pill (use the last pill in the packet so that the day noted on the packaging still corresponds with the day of the week the pill is taken).

...are taking any medicine, ask a doctor or a chemist whether you are still protected. Preparations containing St. John’s wort, some antibiotics, certain antiepileptic drugs and HIV medication can reduce the contraceptive effect. Keep taking or using the contraceptive and use a condom during sex.

…stop using this method of contraception, the contraceptive effect ceases immediately. We recommend that you finish taking the pack of pills.

...changing contraception: start the new contraception straight away without taking any break. Do not wait for your period to come.

If you a miss a pill by LESS than 12 hours

• Take the missed pill as soon as possible.

• If you are less than 12 hours late taking the pill (meaning you take it less than 36 hours after you took the previous one), the contraceptive effect of the pill will not be reduced.

If you miss a pill by MORE than 12 hours

in the first 7 days of the first pill packet and unprotected sex within the last 5 days

• Request emergency contraception as soon as possible and follow the instructions given by a qualified professional.
• Use condoms until the contraceptive pill is effective again. How long you need to do this for will depend on the type of emergency pill that you use.

But have been taking the pill for 8 days or more and taking it correctly for the previous 7 days

• take the forgotten pill as soon as possible even if that means taking 2 at the same time.
• continue taking the pills  at the usual time.
• use a condom for the next 7 days.
• Contraception is not guaranteed until you have taken 7 days of pills after the forgotten pill

Missed 2 or more pills
or incorrect pill use in the 7 days before one (1) missed pill

• Contact a sexual health centre or a doctor.

Good to know

• The best way to protect yourself against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections is to practice safer sex. This means:
  1. Use a condom during sexual intercourse with vaginal or anal penetration.
  2. Further information can be found at www.lovelife.ch.

2023, SANTÉ SEXUELLE SUISSE, Fondation suisse pour la santé sexuelle et reproductive; ALECSS Association suisse latine des spécialistes en santé sexuelle, Éducation – Formation – Conseil; faseg, Fachverband sexuelle Gesundheit in Beratung und Bildung