While there is less blood loss, bleeding may be at irregular intervals and there may be spotting between periods. Mini-pills tend to make periods short and scanty. You may go several months with no bleeding at all. You have to remember to take a pill every single day. The failure rate with mini-pills is a bit higher than with combined birth control pills.
Some women use a backup method such as condoms while they are taking mini-pills.
Progestin-only pills do not protect you from HIV or other infections. Use a condom if you or your partner may be at risk. In the United States mini-pills require a prescription. You can get a prescription from your clinician, health department, or family planning clinic. Not all clinicians know about emergency contraception.