Description
What is the Hana Mini Pill?
The Hana mini pill is a type of progestogen-only contraceptive pill, designed to help prevent pregnancy. It contains a synthetic form of the hormone progestogen (desogestrel) and is available over-the-counter without the need for a prescription. It’s suitable for women and teenagers who can become pregnant and prefer a daily birth control option without estrogen.
How does the Hana Mini Pill work?
The Hana mini pill works in several ways to prevent pregnancy:
- Prevents Ovulation: It stops your ovaries from releasing an egg.
- Thickens Cervical Mucus: This makes it harder for sperm to enter the uterus and reach an egg.
- Changes the Womb Lining: It alters the lining of your womb, making it less likely for a fertilised egg to implant.
How effective is the Hana Mini Pill?
When taken correctly, the Hana mini pill is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, if you miss a dose, experience vomiting or diarrhea, its effectiveness can drop to about 91%, which is still highly effective but not as reliable.
How do you take the Hana Mini Pill?
- Take it daily: One pill every day at the same time. It’s crucial to take it at the same time each day for maximum effectiveness.
- Set a routine: Pick a time that works best for you, like when you brush your teeth. The pills are marked with days of the week to help you remember.
What happens if you stop taking the mini pill?
- If you miss a pill (less than 12 hours): Take it immediately and then continue your usual schedule. No extra contraception is needed.
- If you miss a pill (more than 12 hours): Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, skip any earlier missed pills, and continue as normal. Use extra contraception (like condoms) for the next 7 days.
- If missed during the first week and had sex: There may be a risk of pregnancy, and emergency contraception might be needed.
Advantages of the Mini Pill over the Combined Pill:
- No Estrogen: It’s suitable for women who can’t take estrogen, such as smokers over 35 or those with certain health conditions.
- Safe During Breastfeeding: Unlike the combined pill, the mini pill is safe to take while breastfeeding without affecting milk quality.
- No Prescription Required: The Hana mini pill is available over-the-counter without a doctor’s prescription.
Who shouldn’t take the mini pill?
Avoid taking the Hana mini pill if:
- You are pregnant or may be.
- You have or are at risk for hormone-sensitive cancers.
- You’ve had a blood clot in your legs or lungs.
- You have severe liver problems.
- You experience irregular bleeding between periods or after sex.
- You are allergic to desogestrel or any of the ingredients in the pill.
Always speak to a healthcare professional if you have concerns or if any of these conditions apply to you.