mini pill

noun

ˈmi-nē-ˌpil 

variants or mini-pill or less commonly minipill

plural mini pills or mini-pills also minipills

: a birth control pill that contains a low dose of progestin but no estrogen and is intended to minimize side effects

The combined estrogen-progestin pill and progestin-only "mini pill" prevent ovulation. The mini pill is advised for women who can't take estrogen and for nursing women.

—Phyllis Schneider

This is the appeal of the mini-pill. Because it does not contain estrogen, which increases the risk of blood clotting …, the progestin-only pill is seen as lower-risk.

—Cassidy Morrison

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the combination oral contraceptive is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and blood clots. In contrast, according to the CDC, the mini pill is not associated with many serious long-term risks.

—Alisha Haridasani Gupta

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mini pill

• basophil
• carboxyl
• daffodil
• neutrophil
• overkill
• anthill
• backfill
• bluegill
• crossbill
• distil
• distill
• downhill

Medical Definition

mini pill

noun

ˈmin-ē-ˌpil 

variants or mini-pill also minipill

: a birth control pill that contains a very low dose of a progestin and especially norethindrone but no estrogen and is intended to minimize side effects