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.