Minipill


A form of oral contraceptive taken daily, like combined oral contraceptives (the “pill”), but containing only the hormone progestin and no estrogen.

The minipill works by reducing and thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. It also keeps the uterine lining from thickening, which prevents a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.

The minipill is slightly less effective in preventing conception than the pill.

The minipill can decrease menstrual bleeding and cramps as well as diminish the risks of endometrial and ovarian cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease. Because the minipill contains no estrogen, it does not present the risk of blood clots associated with estrogen in combined pills.

The minipill is a useful option for women who cannot take estrogen because they are breast-feeding or because estrogen-containing products cause them to have severe headaches or high blood pressure.

The side effects of the minipill include menstrual cycle changes, weight gain, and breast tenderness.

Read Also:

  • Minor

    In general, something that is less than something else. For example, the teres minor muscle is smaller than the teres major muscle.

  • Minor anomaly

    An unusual anatomic feature that is of no serious medical or cosmetic consequence to the patient. A minor anomaly of the feet might, for example, be curvature of the second toe so it overlaps the third toe a little. A major anomaly, by contrast, might be a cleft lip and palate, a birth defect of […]

  • Minor salivary gland

    A small gland that produces saliva. The mouth and palate contain numerous minor salivary glands.

  • Miosis

    Contraction of the pupil. The opposite of miosis is mydriasis.

  • Miscarriage

    Inadvertent loss of a pregnancy before the fetus is viable. A considerable proportion of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Also known as spontaneous abortion.


Disclaimer: Minipill definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.