How effective is the Mini-pill?

[Nooknookmom]

I've always had terrible side effects w/ bc pills. But DH is too chicken too get snipped right now.

What IRL side effects have you had & do you think the pill is good bc?

I my incision just closed-after a 3 1/2 mo ordeal & I DON'T want any suprises.

Thx!

[set81616]

My doc said only to do it when I was BFing. Otherwise it's not strong enough. Can you do an IUD?
Shannon

[Nooknookmom]

Never thought of an IUD-although a friend just had a baby at the same time I did b/c hers fell out-oops!

Do you get a period while on the Mini pill? I'm still BF & haven't seen one yet.

[tylersmama]

I've been on the minipill since my 6 wk pp appointment. I haven't had any side effects or problems. I'm still nursing, although only twice a day, and I haven't gotten my period back yet. I had some very slight spotting the week that I started it, but that's it. To be honest, it's effectiveness hasn't really been tested too much since DH and I have been more or less separated for the last 5 months. But, before that, it worked fine (obviously). I know you're supposed to be pretty strict with taking it on a schedule, but I never have been. I just take it whenever I remember in the morning, whether it's 7 am, or 11.

I called and talked to my obgyn's assistant a few weeks ago when my prescription was expiring, and she said they would keep me on it at least until I go in for my annual exam in October. I may think about the mirena IUD then.

HTH!

[set81616]

I went the IUD route. If you're not BFing then you would get your period but I don't know about with BFing. IUD's falling out are very rare. Maybe TMI but if you are worried you can always check if it is there and my husband can sometimes tell it is there.
Shannon

[maestramommy]

I know some women have experienced headaches, and decrease in milk supply while on the mini-pill, but so far I haven't experienced any of these side-effects (knock on wood!). My take is that the mini pill is an effort to prevent pregnancy will the least possible likelihood of the usual side effects, one reason why the margin of error for taking it is so small. My nurse practitioner said it's only 15 minutes. I have to set an alarm to take it or I WILL forget.

[Wife_and_mommy]

I'm pretty sure it had a negative effect on my milk supply with DD so I wasn't willing to do it again.




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[ohiomom]

I successfully took it with DD#1 from 6 weeks to 15 months when I went off to try to get pregnant. With DD#2 I started it at 6 weeks but found myself an emotional wreck - crying of crazy things and the like. Those symptoms vanished within 3 days of stopping the pill. I looks like that side effect is fairly rare from manufacturer's info (though how reliable is that??!??), but wanted to throw it out. It would be worth a try. I got migraines periodically while on regular estrogen-containing bc, but none while on mini.

[schums]

The mini worked great for me before DS -- no probs, even managed to help regulate my period (I know, it's not supposed to). Went off, got pregnant, had DS, went back on. 8 months later, I got pregnant with DD. Never missed, always took it at the same time, blah blah blah. I know several other women IRL who have had the same thing happen to them.

Sarah
Mom to Alex (3/2002) and Catherine (8/2003)

[kransden]

It decreased my milk supply. I had break through bleeding, but I have heavy periods.

Karin and Katie 10/24/02

[elaineandmichaelsmommy]

You might call your dentist and ask them if there's any link between a progesterone only pill and periodontel disease. Dh and I just had to get cleanings because of it and it's not cheap. I was doing some research after the dentist had diagnosed us and talked to my ob and it turns out that the elevated levels of progesterone in your body during pregnancy can contribute to gum disease.

So if you have bad gums,teeth or just lousy genetics in that area I'd recommend checking with your dentist first. Good luck deciding.

[crAbbymom]

> Never missed, always took it
>at the same time, blah blah blah. I know several other women
>IRL who have had the same thing happen to them.


Yup! Same thing with my SIL. She couldn't figure out why her stomach wasn't getting any smaller with all the exercise...Her dd was only 5 months old AND breastfeeding when she found out she was preg with #2! She was ultra careful to take her pill on time etc. Based on her experience, I would really look for a different option!

[Nooknookmom]

Wow, lots to consider. I have weak teeth to begin with-yikes. Well hopefully it'll be short time I'm on them. It's either that or keep away from DH.

Which is fine w/ me, lol but I doubt it would work 4 him.....

[maestramommy]

Yes, we are not depending entirely on the minipill. Dh has to use a backup :-)

[scoop22]

i used the mini- pill from 6wks - 16 mo (that is when i got my period back) i had no side effects at all. i feel terrible when i am on the pill. i did not have that feeling on the mini-pill. i have to admit i never took it at the same time and i must confess i even skipped days. i guess i was lucky. but it didn't matter to me. i hope things work out for you!


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