Why it's done

Your health care provider may recommend the minipill if:

• You're breast-feeding. For years it was thought that the estrogen in combination birth control pills inhibited breast milk production. Although recent research has found that combination birth control pills don't affect lactation, many providers and patients still have experience and confidence in the minipill for breast-feeding.
• You have certain health problems. If you have a history of blood clots in the legs or the lungs, or if you have an increased risk of those conditions, your doctor might recommend the minipill.
• You're concerned about taking estrogen. Some women choose the minipill because of possible side effects of birth control pills containing estrogen.

The minipill is an easily reversible method of contraception. Your fertility is likely to return to normal immediately after you stop taking the minipill.

Your health care provider might also recommend the minipill to help treat a type of skin inflammation (dermatitis) that seems to be related to your menstrual cycle.

The minipill isn't appropriate for everyone, however. Your health care provider may discourage use of the minipill if:

• You have or have had breast cancer
• You have liver disease
• You have unexplained uterine bleeding
• You're taking medications for tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS or to control seizures
• You'll have trouble taking the pill at the same time every day due to a changing work schedule or other factors