Single-component contraceptive pills are the so-called mini-pills that contain low doses of one hormone - progestogen. Thanks to this, they work well for teenagers and women who have problems with thrombosis. They also do not disturb lactation, which is why this method of contraception is ideal for women who are breastfeeding. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the single-ingredient mini-pill?
Single-ingredient hormone pills( mini-pills ) are the best method of contraception for some women. They appeared on the market as a response to the specific expectations of very young women and nursing mothers or women who smoke cigarettes. Contained in theprogestogenhormone pills, it thickens the cervical mucus, preventing sperm from reaching the egg. Sometimes it also inhibits ovulation.
How to use single-component contraceptive pills?
Mini-pills are sold in blisters of 28 tablets. Each pill has the same composition and the same amount of the hormone. They are taken at the same time every daywithout taking breaks . After selecting the entire blister, the next packaging starts immediately.
No interruption in use and the associated absence of a withdrawal bleed is a feature that distinguishes single-component and combined contraceptive pills. This is due to the lower activity of the hormone they contain (if you take breaks in taking mini-pills, their effectiveness would be weaker than that of two-component preparations). Either no bleeding or irregular spotting occurs when taking the mini-pills.
Who are single-component contraceptive pills for?
One-component contraceptive pills (mini-pills) are recommended for teenagers due to the low content of the hormone. Since they do not contain estrogen, which interferes with lactation, they are also recommended for women who are breastfeeding, as well as for women who cannot use estrogen pills or a coil, heavy smokers who are at risk of stroke or thrombosis, and women approaching menopause.
Benefits of single-component hormonal contraception
- The effectiveness of the two-component hormone pills (Pearl Index is about 0.9).
- They have fewer hormones, so they're safefor women who cannot use combined pills.
Names of the single-component contraceptive pills
The table shows a selection of mini-pills available in Poland along with an approximate price (it may vary depending on the pharmacy).
| Name of the contraceptive pill | Manufacturer | Progestogen content [mg] | Price |
| Azalea | Gedeon Richter | 0.075 | $ 28.49 |
| Cerazette | Organon | 0.075 | PLN 30 |
| Desiccant | Polpharma | 0.075 | PLN 22 |
| Symonette | SymPhar | 0.075 | PLN 18 |
Surprising Facts About Contraception
Disadvantages of single-ingredient pills
- The contraindications are the same as for combined contraceptives.
- They cannot be used by women who have had thrombophlebitis or varicose veins, because progestin increases the risk of recurrence of the disease.
- Mini-pills should be swallowed with almost every minute accuracy. A delay of just 3-4 hours is enough for them to become less effective.
- They often cause spotting between periods.
Is hormonal contraception dangerous to your he alth?
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