At the Women’s Clinic we use a mini pill call Cerazette because it is more user friendly than some other mini pills. Cerazette works in two ways. It prevents pregnancy by thickening the mucus in the cervix. This prevents sperm from entering the womb and fertilising an egg. Cerazette can for some people stop ovulation (releasing an egg). This makes it a highly effective pill.
Mini pill
How do I take the mini pill?
Taking the mini pill is easy. Each day, swallow one pill with a glass of water.
You must take the mini pill within the same twelve-hour window each day for it to be effective. It is best to take it at the same time each day, so you can create a habit of taking it regularly.
Many women won’t have their period at all while on Cerazette – this is normal and should not cause concern.
Taking your pill each day
Remembering to take your pill each day can be difficult to start with. If you are taking the combined pill, it is best to make it a habit to take it at the same time each day. If you are taking the mini pill, you need to take it within the same three hours each day. Here are some tips to remind yourself to take your pill:
Keep your pack beside your bed
It is a good reminder to take your pill when you wake up or before you go to bed.
Keeping your pack on your bathroom vanity
Is another great way to remind yourself when you brush your teeth, get ready for the day, or get ready for bed.
Set an alarm on your phone
For the same time each day.
Forgetting to take your mini pill
If you forget to take your pill, it’s okay. As soon as you remember, take your pill as normal.
You won’t need to use another form of contraception if you have taken your pill within 12 hours from when you should have taken it; the effectiveness of the pill won’t decrease.
If you do not take it within 12hrs of the usual time, you will not be protected against pregnancy. Continue to take your pills as usual but use condoms for the next two days. If you’ve had unprotected sex during this time, you may need emergency contraception.
Hormones in the mini pill
The mini pill is one of the many options of contraception that contains hormones.
The mini pill only contains progestogen. Progestogen is like the naturally occurring hormone progesterone that your body already produces. This hormone thickens the mucus at the opening to the uterus so sperm can not swim through.
What happens to my period when I am on the mini pill?
Many women won’t have their period at all while on Cerazette. Some women may still experience regular, lighter, more frequent or longer periods.
Some women experience irregular bleeding. This side effect is common and usually settles within three months.
When can I have sex?
You can have sex as soon as you feel ready after starting on the mini pill. However, depending on where you are in your cycle you may need to use other contraception for a little longer.
- If you take the mini pill within the first 5 days of your period, you are protected straight away.
- If you start the mini pill at any other time during your cycle, you are not protected for the first 7 days. Use another form of contraception for the first week will help prevent pregnancy.
- As soon as you stop taking the mini pill, or if you don’t take it within the twelve-hour window, you’re no longer protected.
The mini pill is a great form of contraception, but it doesn’t protect you from STIs. Only condoms can protect against STI’s.
Stopping the pill
Once you decide the pill is no longer for you, you can stop taking it straight away.
Your fertility will return to normal almost immediately once you stop taking the mini pill. Your body will continue on its normal cycle, so you will get your next period when it is due. Remember that you will no longer be protected once you miss a day.
Interested in using contraception?
Reach out online or call 0800 226 784 to speak with our patient care team. We value your decision about your health.
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