Mini pill and history of blood clots

I am currently taking the 'mini pill' after unsuccessfully having an IUD (was misplaced and caused too much pain) but I am concerned about taking the pill for too long because I developed a blood clot the last time I was on the estrogen/progestin combo BC pill. My husband and I maybe have sex 6-7 times a year...yes a year. He has low testosterone problems so the sex drive is non existent. Do I continue to take the mini pill to prevent any chance of pregnancy and risk developing blood clots or should I not take the pill and take my chances on becoming pregnant? We are not too worried about conceiving but we would like to wait a few more years for career path reasons. I am also experiencing some mild side effects from the mini pill.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
If you were my patient, I would talk to you about a diaphragm or condoms.
The progesterone only pills do not increase your risk of clots, but they do have some unpleasant side effects.  If an "accident" did occur, you could always buy Plan B--the morning after pill.  Why take medication every day if you don't need it?
Good luck!
Dr B