The mini pill — contraception without oestrogen

What is the progestogen-only pill?

The progestogen-only pill — often called the mini pill — contains a single hormone rather than the two used in combined pills. It works primarily by thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg, and in some formulations also suppresses ovulation. Taken correctly it is over 99% effective.

Because it contains no oestrogen, the mini pill is suitable for a wider range of women: those who are breastfeeding, those who smoke and are over 35, those who experience migraines with aura, and those who have been advised to avoid oestrogen for any other reason.

How does the mini pill work?

The main mechanism is thickening of the cervical mucus, which creates a barrier that sperm cannot easily pass through. Some progestogen-only formulations also reliably prevent ovulation, which adds an extra layer of protection. Unlike the combined pill, the mini pill is taken every day without a break, so there is no monthly pill-free week.

Timing matters more with some mini pill formulations than others. Depending on the type prescribed, you have either a three-hour or a twelve-hour window in which to take it each day. The prescriber will confirm which applies to your formulation and what to do if you take it late.

Who is the mini pill suitable for?

The mini pill is a good fit for women who cannot use oestrogen-containing contraception. Common examples include women who are breastfeeding, women over 35 who smoke, women with a history of migraines with aura, and women with certain conditions that make oestrogen unsuitable. It is also a popular choice for women who have simply found the combined pill does not agree with them.

As with any prescribed medicine, there are situations where even a progestogen-only pill needs extra thought — such as some liver conditions, certain types of breast cancer, and a few specific medicines that can affect how well it works. The consultation gathers the information a prescriber needs to check these points for you.

Getting the mini pill through NewGen

NewGen Pharmacy is a GPhC-registered community pharmacy in Stratford, and this service is run by the same registered clinical team. You fill in a confidential online consultation — covering your health history, any medicines you take, and your reasons for choosing the mini pill — and a UK prescriber reviews your answers. If they are satisfied it is appropriate, your pills are dispensed and delivered in plain packaging the following working day, or you can collect in store.

How the online consultation works

The consultation is short — around five minutes. We ask about your general health, any conditions you have been diagnosed with, medicines you take, and your contraceptive history. There is no need for a blood pressure reading for most mini pill formulations, though we may ask for one in specific circumstances.

Once approved, your order is dispensed and dispatched the same working day. If the prescriber has any questions or cannot approve your request online, they will contact you and explain the next step — which might be a conversation with your GP or a visit to a sexual-health clinic.

When to see your GP or a sexual-health clinic instead

An online mini pill consultation suits most women in reasonable health. See your GP or a sexual-health clinic if you are currently being treated for breast cancer, if you have severe liver disease, or if you are taking medicines that are known to interact significantly with progestogen-only pills. If the prescriber cannot safely manage your request online, they will say so clearly and tell you where to go next.