Which oral contraceptive is progestin-only and must be taken at the same time every day?

• A. Combination pills
• B. Patch
• C. Mini pills
• D. Vaginal ring

Answer: (C)

Progestin-only oral contraceptives, often called the mini-pill, require taking the pill at roughly the same time every day because they rely on keeping a steady level of progestin in your body. That steady level helps keep cervical mucus thick and the lining of the uterus less receptive to pregnancy, and it may also suppress ovulation. Because the progestin in these pills has a relatively short window of effectiveness, a delay—even a few hours—can reduce protection and raise the chance of ovulation. So strict daily timing is essential for this method.

Other options listed deliver hormones in a way that’s less dependent on exact timing, since they contain estrogen in addition to progestin or are released through skin or vaginally at a steadier rate. If a mini-pill is taken late, using backup contraception for a short period is often advised, whereas timing tolerances aren’t as strict with the other methods.