5.3.2  Progesterone-only oral contraceptive or mini-pill

The mini-pill is more effective for lactating mothers. It is 99% effective if used consistently and correctly by breastfeeding mothers, because breastfeeding itself provides protection against pregnancy. For all women, it is very effective when used correctly and consistently, with an incidence of less than 0.5 pregnancies per 100 women in the first year of use.

  • In this context, what does correct use mean?

  • It means taking the pill every day, at about the same time, not missing any pills, and taking extra contraceptive precautions when necessary.

    Mistakes in pill taking lead to pregnancy more often with the mini-pill than with combined oral contraceptives.

5.3  Effectiveness of oral contraceptive methods

5.4  Use of oral contraceptives