Combined pill vs mini pill: what's the difference?

Bottom lineThe combined pill contains estrogen and progestin and works mainly by stopping ovulation (taken with a break for a withdrawal bleed), can regulate periods and help acne, but is avoided with migraine with aura, smoking over 35, or clot history; the progestin-only mini pill has no estrogen, works mainly by thickening cervical mucus, is taken daily with no break, and suits those who can't take estrogen or are breastfeeding. Both are over 99% effective with perfect use and don't protect against STIs.

Both are daily contraceptive pills, but they contain different hormones and suit different people.

Combined pill

• Contains estrogen and progestin
• Works mainly by stopping ovulation
• Usually taken for 21 days with a 7-day break (or placebo), causing a withdrawal bleed
• Can regulate periods, reduce cramps, and help acne
• Not suitable for everyone: avoided with migraine with aura, smoking over 35, history of blood clots, or some other conditions (estrogen-related risks)

Progestin-only pill (mini pill)

• Contains progestin only, no estrogen
• Works mainly by thickening cervical mucus (some types also stop ovulation)
• Taken every day with no break
• Timing matters more for some versions (take within the same window daily)
• Suitable for many who can't take estrogen, including while breastfeeding and for those over 35 who smoke

Effectiveness

Both are over 99% effective with perfect use and around 91% with typical use.

Which is right for you

It depends on your health, whether you can take estrogen, side effects, and preferences. A clinician helps you choose.

Neither protects against STIs

Use condoms for STI protection.

See how does the birth control pill work and side effects of hormonal birth control.

Femora helps you track bleeding and side effects whichever pill you use.