💊 Progestin-Only Pill vs Combined Pill Trade-off Simulator

Progestin-Only Pill — The Strict Three-Hour Window

Same-time-every-day dosing is the core rule for the mini-pill.

• ±3 hr: Timing window (traditional progestin-only pill)
• High: Missed-dose risk (efficacy drops quickly)
• Low: Hormone dose (progestin only, no estrogen)
• ~9%: Typical use failure (per year, placeholder figure)

Why timing matters for progestin-only dosing

Placeholder: short explanation of cervical mucus effect and narrow window.

Combined Pill — A More Forgiving Dosing Schedule

Estrogen plus progestin gives a wider margin for a late dose.

• ±12 hr: Timing window (combined oral contraceptive)
• Lower: Missed-dose risk (vs. mini-pill)
• Dual: Hormone dose (estrogen + progestin)
• ~7%: Typical use failure (per year, placeholder figure)

Why combined pills tolerate a later dose

Placeholder: short explanation of dual-hormone suppression buffer.

Lactation Safety — Mini-Pill vs Combined Pill

Estrogen can reduce milk supply, favoring progestin-only choice.

• High: Mini-pill lactation fit (preferred while breastfeeding)
• Low: Combined pill lactation fit (estrogen may cut milk supply)
• Early: Postpartum start (POP) (often from day one)
• Delayed: Postpartum start (COC) (often after 6 weeks)

Placeholder heading on lactation guidance

Placeholder: short note on breastfeeding-safe contraceptive timing.

Clotting Risk — Estrogen-Driven Contraindications

Combined pills carry higher venous thrombosis risk than mini-pills.

• Baseline: POP thrombosis risk (minimal added risk)
• Elevated: COC thrombosis risk (rises with risk factors)
• Prior VTE: Key contraindication (favors progestin-only)
• Compounding: Smoking + age effect (placeholder figure)

Placeholder heading on clot risk factors

Placeholder: short note on estrogen and venous thromboembolism risk.

Choosing Between Mini-Pill and Combined Pill

Overall pick balances timing discipline, lactation, and clot risk.

• Mini-pill: Best for lactation (progestin-only preferred)
• Combined: Best for flexibility (wider dosing window)
• Mini-pill: Best for clot history (lower thrombosis signal)
• Risk profile: Decision driver (individualized choice)

Placeholder heading on shared decision-making

Placeholder: short summary weighing convenience against contraindications.

Placeholder highlight: individualize choice using risk factors.