How it works
The pill contains a progestogen only. All types thicken cervical mucus so sperm cannot easily reach an egg, and some types, such as desogestrel and drospirenone pills, also stop ovulation in most cycles.
People who want a daily pill but cannot or prefer not to take estrogen, including those who are breastfeeding, smoke, or get migraines with aura.
How effective is it?
Typical use
93%
In real life about 7 in 100 people get pregnant in a year with typical use.
Perfect use
Over 99%
About 0.3 in 100 when used exactly as directed every time.
See how it ranks against every method in the effectiveness chart.
How to use it
Get it from a doctor, nurse, or sexual health clinic. In the UK some desogestrel pills are sold by pharmacists without a prescription, and in the US one norgestrel pill is available over the counter.
Take one pill every day with no break between packs (some drospirenone packs include a few inactive pills).
If you start a traditional or desogestrel pill in the first 5 days of your period you are usually protected straight away; otherwise use condoms or another method for the first 2 days. Drospirenone pills only protect straight away if started on the first day of your period; otherwise you need extra protection for 7 days. Check your leaflet, as rules can differ by brand.
Take it within the time window for your type: traditional pills within 3 hours of your usual time, desogestrel within 12 hours, and drospirenone within 24 hours. If you are later than that, vomit, or have severe diarrhea, check your leaflet or ask a pharmacist; you may need extra protection or emergency contraception.
You can stop at any time; protection ends quickly, so use another method if you do not want to get pregnant.
Pros and cons
Advantages
- Contains no estrogen, so it is an option for people who smoke over 35, have migraines with aura, or have had blood clots (a clinician will check).
- Safe to use while breastfeeding and can be started straight after giving birth.
- Easy to start and stop, and fertility returns quickly.
- Available without a prescription in some countries.
- Periods may become lighter or stop for some people.
Disadvantages
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs); use condoms as well for that.
- Must be taken every day, within a strict time window for some types.
- Irregular or unpredictable bleeding is common.
- Vomiting, severe diarrhea, and some medicines (such as certain epilepsy, HIV, and tuberculosis drugs) can make it less effective.
Effect on periods: Bleeding may become irregular, lighter, more frequent, or stop; it is hard to predict.
Possible side effects
- Irregular bleeding or spotting
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Acne
- Mood changes
- Small fluid-filled cysts on the ovaries, which usually cause no symptoms and go away
Who it may not suit
A clinician checks your medical history before you start. This list is not complete.
May not be suitable if
- You have, or have had, breast cancer.
- You have serious liver disease or a liver tumor.
- You have had a stroke or have heart or blood vessel disease; a clinician will assess this.
- You have unexplained vaginal bleeding that has not been checked.
- You take medicines that speed up how the liver breaks down hormones, such as some epilepsy or HIV treatments, or St John's wort.
Get medical help if
- You have sudden or severe pain in your lower tummy, which can rarely be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.
- Your bleeding pattern changes suddenly, is very heavy, or happens after sex.
- You missed a pill or took it late and had sex; a pharmacist can advise on emergency contraception.
- You think you might be pregnant.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the mini pill while breastfeeding?
Yes. It does not affect milk supply and is safe for the baby, and you can start it straight after giving birth.
How late can I take the mini pill?
It depends on the type: traditional mini pills must be taken within 3 hours of your usual time, desogestrel pills within 12 hours, and drospirenone pills within 24 hours. Check the leaflet for your pill or ask a pharmacist.
What should I do if I miss a mini pill?
Take it as soon as you remember and carry on as normal, but if you were outside your pill's time window you may need condoms for the next few days (2 days for most types, 7 days for drospirenone pills) and possibly emergency contraception. Your leaflet or a pharmacist can tell you exactly what applies.
Does the mini pill stop periods?
Some people stop bleeding, while others have lighter, more frequent, or irregular bleeding. It is hard to predict and may change over time.
Can I get the mini pill without a prescription?
In the UK, some desogestrel pills can be bought from a pharmacist after a short consultation, and in the US one norgestrel mini pill is sold over the counter. Rules vary in other countries.
Sources
Reviewed 1 November 2026. We link to the guidance itself so you can check it.