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HOW IT WORKS:

Man-made hormones - estrogen and progesterone - mimic the ones your body naturally produces monthly. Estrogen prevents the egg from maturing and being released from the ovary. No egg - no pregnancy. Progesterone causes changes in the lining of the uterus and in the consistency of the cervical mucus. The Mini-Pill contains progesterone only.

EFFECTIVENESS:

99% (Mini-Pill 96%)

AVERAGE COST:

$25-45 PER MONTH

ADVANTAGES:

Reduces the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts. May decrease: pre-menstrual syndrome, acne, bleeding, anemia, less rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, and breast tenderness. Periods are more regular. Can be used for women over age 40. Does not interfere with lovemaking. Mini-pill can be used while breast-feeding.

DISADVANTAGES:

Does not protect against STD's.  Must be taken daily.  Cannot be used by those with a history of: breast cancer, blood clots or at risk to develop blood clots, liver disease, kidney disease, unexplained uterine bleeding, smokers over age 35, melanoma (a type of skin cancer), and those on certain medications.  Should not be used by those with: light periods, high blood pressure, diabetes, migraine headaches, depression, sickle cell disease, fibroids.  Serious side effects (rare): blood clots, liver disease, high blood pressure, gall bladder disease, migraine headaches.  Common side effects include: nausea, breast tenderness, mid-cycle bleeding the first few months, weight gain, increased appetite, mood swings, depression, headaches, skin problems.

HOW TO USE IT:

A prescription hormone pill is taken at the same time daily for 21 days, then no pill or a sugar pill is taken for 7 days to complete a 28 day cycle. May need to use a barrier method if pill missed or antibiotics are taken.

YOU NEED TO CALL A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF:

You experience any of the following: shortness of breath; sudden abdominal, arm or chest pain; severe headache; sudden vision changes such as blurred vision or seeing double; skin or eye jaundice (yellowing); depression; or leg pain or swelling.

Additional Information: Graphics, correct usage and important links for this method of Birth Control.

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