Progestogen-only pill

The mini-pill is a medicine for hormonal contraception for women. The mini pill contains as an active ingredient, a synthetic progestin as a progestin.

Conventional mini pill

The conventional mini-pill contains levonorgestrel. The primary mode of action is based on variation of the consistency of the cervical mucous, thus the Schleimpropfs in the cervix, so that the passage of sperm into the uterus is very difficult inside. In addition, the uterine lining is changed so that a fertilized egg can not implant ( anti-implantation ).

The mini-pill is taken every day without a break relatively exactly the same time, already a deviation of more than 3 hours endangers the prevention protection. The Pearl Index of conventional mini-pill is only about 4.1 ( study of 28 mini and Microlut ) and is therefore relative to other hormonal methods classified as uncertain. The conventional mini-pill is now considered outdated.

New mini pill

The new mini-pill is the progestin desogestrel and also suppresses ovulation, in addition to the conventional change in the cervical mucus and the endometrium. The primary mode of action of the new mini-pill ovulation inhibition is to be considered, just as in the widespread micro pill.

The Pearl Index of the new mini-pill is very good with 0.4 (based on Cerazette ) and comparable to the micro pill. Also for taking accuracy and error tolerance the same, comparatively relaxed rules as for micro pill apply.

Pharmacology

Areas of application

The mini-pill is mainly used for women considered in which estrogen-containing drugs are contraindicated, especially in smokers, hypertension and known thrombophilia and estrogen-dependent tumors in prehistory.

The mini-pill can also be used as a contraceptive in lactating women.

Interactions

Some medications, such as St. John's wort, broad spectrum antibiotics, some antiepileptics and some psychotropic drugs may reduce the effectiveness of oral hormonal contraceptives.

Side effects

Side effects of the mini-pill are often irregular bleeding and the absence of menstruation (amenorrhea ). Other possible side effects include mood swings, depression, skin changes and hair loss.

Costs

The Mini 28 mini pills and Microlut currently cost about € 32.00 for three months, the new mini pill Cerazette costs about € 37.00 for three months.

A reimbursement or refund is statutory health insured women in Germany according to § 24 SGB V up to the age of 20 by the health insurance and social assistance for eligible women according to § 49 SGB XII by the relevant welfare agency to.