Mini Pill Question

dobrydney

For the last couple of years I had been having migraines and through a process of elimination we figured out that it had something to do with my birth control pills because once I stopped them and got pregnant they magically disappeared.  Following delivery, my OB originally prescribed the mini pill (without me even asking for birth control or discussing it which I thought was weird but whatever--saved me having to ask) because I was initially breastfeeding.  I guess he assumed because I had been on birth control pills prior to becoming pregnant that I would want to continue them.  I'm scared as shit to accidentally get pregnant this soon after having LO, so I really didn't want to not be on any birth control, so I started the mini pill. 

We have since made the decision to FF.  I haven't had any migraines and actually read in a couple of places that the mini pill is sometimes prescribed for people who have headaches in reaction to regular birth control pills.  My migraines were so severe that I had prescription medication for them, not like the occasional bad headache.  When I went back for my 6 week PP visit, my OB told me I shouldn't be on the mini pill if I'm not breastfeeding.  He kind of caught me off guard so I didn't really question it at the time.  I know it is not as effective as the regular pill, but does anyone know of any other reason why?  I mean, it's ultimately my decision to even be on birth control or not.  Another factor in me wanting to stay with the mini pill is that it is free under our insurance.  My old birth control was about $100 a month which DH's job used to pay and now that our coverage changed that would be out of pocket.

I'm not overly concerned about it as we aren't DTD that often as of yet and we're using condoms as well, so I just thought I'd throw it out there and see if you ladies had any thoughts. 

krm112013

I can't think of any reason besides it being less effective. If you're using condoms though too, I don't see why you can't keep taking it if that's what is working out better for you health wise, as well as monetarily.

dobrydney

Sing2phins said:

I don't know any other reason why, but he's probably concerned just for that reason - the minipill is much more sensitive to changes in the time you take it, as I understand it, so it's just not as effective.

I really just wanted to say I had exactly the same experience as you, with migraines that stopped as soon as I stopped the pill and started TTC.  And my OB said the same thing you read about the minipill not causing migraines.

He wrote me an RX for it upon discharge with 5 refills and then another RX with 5 more refills, so I'll have enough to get me through until my yearly.  I think I'm just going to keep taking it and talk it over with him again then.  I mean, it would be my decision if I wanted to say whatever I'm not taking any birth control so I figure this is better than nothing.  I don't feel like paying $100 a month for birth control or monkeying around with it and dealing with migraines again.  I read too about taking it the same time every day, so I've set an alarm on my phone.

Kim22

I'm so glad you brought this up. I went off birth control to see if it was a cause of my migraines also. I was going to TTC in about 6 months anyway but I hate condoms and so I got pregnant 2 months later.

I am EBF now and on the mini pill. I was on it after DS1. With him I was BF and supplementing and my doctor said as soon as I was using more than 50 percent formula it wasn't reliable. I am loving the mini pill right now and wish I could stay on it. It says it's 95 percent effective when you are not breastfeeding. I feel like that's pretty close to condoms effectiveness. We are totally ok with number 4 so I may just take my chances. My only fear is that since I have had 3 c sections getting pregnant too soon would be bad. (My doctor did say I'm good for a fourth but she didn't say when.) Right now I have a bottle resister anyway so I should be good for a while.

I go back to the doctor next month so I will talk to her then. I was wondering if you get your period on the mini if not breastfeeding since they are all active pills.

dobrydney

@kim22 Yes, I have gotten my period since taking the mini pill (unfortunately haha).  I did read that as another reason why women shy away from it if they aren't breastfeeding, because it doesn't necessarily help your period regulate like some regular birth control pills.

inlove0509

I love the mini pill! I get very bad anxiety when on the regular pill and 0 negative side effects on the mini pill . I know that in 50% of women on the mini pill, ovulation is suppressed. But if you are getting your period, sounds like you are ovulating.

It's less effective because unlike the regular pill, each pill's pregnancy-preventing effects only lasts 24 hours (I.e. thickened cervical mucus). You would have to be very committed to taking it the same time and following the specific instructions if you take it late. If you are liking this pill more and your quality of life is better on it, I'd stay on it. There are many people with various health issues who can't take the regular pill and rely on the mini pill.