Contraception in Grand Rapids, MI: The Progestogen-Only (Mini) Pill

The progestogen-only pill, often called the mini pill, is a popular form of birth control for many people in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Unlike the combined oral contraceptive pill (which contains both estrogen and progestogen), the progestogen-only pill contains only progestogen.

In Grand Rapids, you can discuss and obtain the progestogen-only pill through local healthcare providers such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and community clinics supported by the Kent County Health Department.

What Is the Progestogen-Only (Mini) Pill?

The progestogen-only pill:

  • Contains only the hormone progestogen
  • Is taken once daily, at roughly the same time every day
  • Is available by prescription from your doctor, nurse practitioner, or some telehealth services serving the Grand Rapids area

Progestogen is similar to a natural hormone made by your ovaries. In the United States, there are two main types of progestogen-only pills:

  1. Traditional progestogen-only pills (classic “mini pill”)

    • Very low dose
    • Must be taken within 3 hours of your usual time to stay effective

  2. Drospirenone-only progestogen pill

    • Newer low-dose option (introduced in the U.S. in 2021)
    • Remains effective if you take a pill up to 24 hours late

How Effective Is the Progestogen-Only Pill?

When used correctly, the progestogen-only pill is highly effective:

  • Perfect use: At least 99% effective at preventing pregnancy
  • Typical use (allowing for missed or late pills): About 93% effective

This means that in real life, where people sometimes forget or take pills late, about 7 in 100 users may become pregnant in a year.

For Grand Rapids residents, consistency can be especially important during busy seasons—whether you’re juggling work downtown, classes at GVSU or GRCC, or family responsibilities. Setting phone reminders or using a pill-tracking app can help you stay on schedule.

How the Progestogen-Only Pill Works

Both types of progestogen-only pills mainly work by:

  • Thickening the mucus around the cervix (the opening to the uterus)
    • This makes it harder for sperm to enter the uterus and reach an egg.

The drospirenone-only pill also:

  • Prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) in most cycles

Traditional progestogen-only pills may also sometimes stop ovulation, but this is less consistent.

How to Take the Progestogen-Only Pill

Each pill pack usually contains 28 pills, and you take one pill every day.

  • Traditional progestogen-only pill

    • All 28 pills contain active hormone
    • There are no sugar (placebo) pills
    • Take one pill at the same time every day, within a 3-hour window

  • Drospirenone-only pill

    • Typically has 24 active hormone pills and 4 sugar (placebo) pills
    • Take one pill at the same time every day, with a 24-hour window for lateness

You do not take a break between packs. When you finish one pack, start the next pack the very next day.

When Does the Progestogen-Only Pill Start Working?

When you start the mini pill for the first time or after a break, it can take up to 7 days to become fully effective.

  • During those first 7 days, use condoms or avoid penis-in-vagina sex if you want to prevent pregnancy.
  • Your Grand Rapids provider (GP, nurse, Planned Parenthood, or local family planning clinic) can give you personalized advice based on when in your cycle you start.

What Can Make the Progestogen-Only Pill Less Effective?

The progestogen-only pill might not work as well if:

  • You miss a pill or take it too late (especially with traditional mini pills)
  • You vomit within 3 hours of taking a pill
  • You have very severe diarrhea
  • You are taking certain medications or herbal remedies that interfere with hormones
    (for example, some seizure medications or St. John’s wort)

Always check with a Grand Rapids doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about any medications or supplements you take.

What to Do If You Miss a Progestogen-Only Pill

If You Miss a Traditional Progestogen-Only Pill (3-Hour Window)

You’re considered “late” if you take the pill more than 3 hours after your usual time.

  1. Take the missed pill as soon as you remember
    • This may mean taking 2 pills in one day
  2. Continue the rest of the pack as normal
  3. Use condoms for the next 3 days
  4. If you had unprotected penis-in-vagina sex in the 3 days before the missed pill, you may need emergency contraception

If You Miss a Drospirenone-Only Pill (24-Hour Window)

You’re considered “late” if you take the pill more than 24 hours after your usual time.

  1. Take the missed pill as soon as you remember
    • This may mean taking 2 pills in one day
  2. Continue the rest of the pack as normal
  3. Use condoms for the next 7 days
  4. If you had unprotected sex in the 7 days before the missed pill, talk to a provider about:
    • Emergency contraception, and/or
    • Skipping the sugar pills and starting a new pack in the active pill section (depends on where you are in the pack)

In Grand Rapids, you can get emergency contraception at most local pharmacies, urgent care centers, and through your primary care or OB/GYN.

Side Effects of the Progestogen-Only Pill

Most people tolerate the mini pill well. Possible side effects (usually mild and often improve over time) include:

  • Irregular vaginal bleeding (spotting, lighter or heavier periods, or no bleeding at all)
  • Headaches
  • Sore or tender breasts
  • Skin changes (such as acne)
  • Mood changes

The progestogen-only pill has not been shown to cause weight gain.

There are no known serious health risks from taking the progestogen-only pill for most healthy users. This makes it a good option for many people in West Michigan who cannot or prefer not to take estrogen.

When the Progestogen-Only Pill May Not Be a Good Option

The mini pill might not be right for you if you:

  • Find it very difficult to take a tablet at the same time every day
  • Are taking certain medications that reduce its effectiveness
  • Have been treated for breast cancer
  • Have severe liver disease

If you live in Grand Rapids and have a complex medical history, consider consulting with:

  • A family medicine or internal medicine doctor at Corewell Health, Metro Health, or Trinity Health
  • A gynecologist or reproductive health specialist

Progestogen-Only Pill and Pregnancy

If you become pregnant while taking the mini pill:

  • The pill will not harm the pregnancy
  • It is safe to:
    • Continue the pregnancy (and stop the pill), or
    • Consider abortion if that is your choice, using local services

Many private clinics and some hospital-based OB/GYN practices in Grand Rapids offer both pregnancy options counseling and contraceptive services.

Using the Progestogen-Only Pill After Having a Baby

The progestogen-only pill is a popular choice for new parents in Grand Rapids, especially those breastfeeding.

  • You can start the progestogen-only pill immediately after birth, even if you are breastfeeding
  • It does not affect milk supply
  • You can stop the pill at any time, and your fertility quickly returns to normal

This can be particularly helpful for families in West Michigan planning the spacing of pregnancies while juggling childcare, work, and seasonal challenges (like winter driving and flu season).

Benefits of the Progestogen-Only (Mini) Pill

The progestogen-only pill:

  • Starts working quickly (usually within 7 days)
  • Contains a low dose of hormone
  • Does not contain estrogen, making it suitable if you:
    • Have migraines with aura
    • Have certain blood clot risks
    • Are breastfeeding
  • Can be used by many people who cannot take estrogen
  • Can be a good option for those who prefer oral contraception over methods like the implant, IUD, or injection

Important: STI Protection

The progestogen-only pill does not protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs).

To reduce your risk of STIs:

  • Use external (male) condoms or internal (female) condoms with all new sexual partners
  • Consider regular STI testing, especially if you have multiple partners or a new partner

In Grand Rapids, you can access low-cost or free STI testing through:

  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health programs
  • Local clinics, Planned Parenthood, and some university health centers

Where to Get the Progestogen-Only Pill in Grand Rapids, MI

You can get information about and prescriptions for the mini pill from:

  • Your GP or primary care provider
    • Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health clinics
  • OB/GYN or women’s health clinics
  • Planned Parenthood and other reproductive health centers
  • Community health centers supported by the Kent County Health Department
  • Telehealth services licensed in Michigan

Pharmacies

  • Most Grand Rapids pharmacies (Meijer, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, independent pharmacies) can fill prescriptions for the progestogen-only pill.
  • If you run out of pills and cannot see a doctor right away:
    • Talk to your pharmacist. In some cases, they may provide a short emergency supply without a new prescription.
    • If possible, show them your old pill packet so they know the exact type and dose.

Local Considerations for Grand Rapids Residents

Living in West Michigan, you may face:

  • Cold, long winters that can affect mood and routine, making it easier to forget pills
    • Consider setting phone alarms or using pill boxes to stay consistent.
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and stress can influence mood; if you notice significant mood changes on the pill, discuss this with your provider.
  • Busy schedules with work, school, and family life—especially during winter storms or lake-effect snow—can disrupt routines, so having a backup method (like condoms) is wise.

Key Points

  • The drospirenone-only progestogen pill remains effective even if a pill is taken up to 24 hours late.
  • Taken correctly, progestogen-only pills are at least 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
  • They work mainly by thickening cervical mucus, helping to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
  • The progestogen-only pill has not been shown to cause weight gain.
  • There are no known serious health risks from taking the progestogen-only pill for most healthy users.
  • The pill does not protect against STIs—use condoms for STI prevention.

If you live in Grand Rapids and are considering the progestogen-only (mini) pill, talk to your local healthcare provider or pharmacist to find the option that best fits your health, lifestyle, and future pregnancy plans.