What is Microgynon?

Microgynon is a branded combined contraceptive pill that is taken orally. The combined pill contains two hormones: oestrogen (the ingredient ethinylestradiol) and progesterone (the ingredient levonorgestrel).

Microgynon is available in two forms: Microgynon 30 and Microgynon 30 ED.

It's reliable and effective in preventing pregnancy when taken correctly. This pill contains the same doses of hormones as Rigevidon.

What’s the difference between Microgynon 30 and Microgynon 30 ED?

Microgynon 30 and Microgynon 30 ED have the same ingredients and properties, but Microgynon 30 ED has 28 tablets in a pack compared to 21. 

The final 7 pills in a Microgynon 30 ED pack contain no active ingredients or hormones and exist to help you get in the routine of taking one pill a day across an entire cycle. These pills are larger, so you should be able to tell the difference between them and the ‘active’ pills. During this week of inactive pills you’re likely to have a withdrawal bleed. This is like a period but isn’t one. 

What is Microgynon used for?

Microgynon 30 and Microgynon 30 ED are taken to stop you getting pregnant. It can also help with heavy periods making them lighter, regular and less painful. The pill may also help with PMS symptoms. 

Who can use Microgynon?

You should always speak to a doctor before taking Microgynon 30 or 30 ED. You may not be able to take Microgynon if you’re a smoker, over 35 years old or overweight as this can increase your risk of blood clots.

During your consultation our clinicians will make sure it’s safe for you to take.

You shouldn’t use Microgynon 30 or Microgynon 30 ED if:

• You are already pregnant
• You are allergic to the ingredients
• You have had a blood clot
• You have a disorder affecting blood clotting
• You have had a heart attack or stroke
• You’ve ever had a migraine with aura
• You have very high blood pressure
• You have diabetes with blood vessel damage
• You have high levels of fat in your blood (either cholesterol or tryglycerides)  that may increase your risk of clots in the arteries 

Read the patient information leaflet for more information about Microgynon 30 and underlying health conditions. 

How to take Microgynon 30 & ED

How to take Microgynon 30

Most women choose to take 1 pill daily for 21 days, then have a 4 or 7-day break before starting the next pack. During this break you’re likely to have a withdrawal bleed. This is like a period but isn’t one.

You can also take Microgynon 30 as follows: 

• Tricycling: Take 1 pill daily for 9 weeks without a break. After 9 weeks (3 packs of pills) take a 4 or 7 day break and then start the cycle again. 
• Continuous use: Take 1 pill daily without a break.  
• Flexible extended use: Take 1 pill daily for at least 21 days. If you get bleeding that’s unacceptable to you, take a 4-day break. On the fifth day start taking the pill daily again and don’t have another break for at least 21 days.  

How to take Microgynon 30 ED

The Microgynon 30 ED pack contains a three week supply of active pills, as well as one week of larger inactive pills (containing no active ingredients). As mentioned above, you are likely to have a withdrawal bleed (not a period) during your week of inactive pills.

What if I miss a Microgynon pill?

If you've missed combined pill, what you need to do depends on when and how many pills are missed. Missing one pill, at any time, does not compromise contraception. Missing two or more pills or starting a new pack late might affect your contraceptive cover.

Up to 48 hours since your last pill – take your next pill as soon as you remember and continue the rest of the pack as usual. This might mean you need to take 2 pills on 1 day.

More than 48 hours – this depends on when you last took your pill and where you are in your pill packet. Please check the patient information leaflet for further information.

What if I take too much Microgynon?

Taking more than one pill should not cause you any harm. However, you may feel sick or be sick or experience some vaginal bleeding. If you have any of these symptoms talk to your doctor or message us in your account.

How do Microgynon 30 and Microgynon 30 ED work?

The hormones in Microgynon (ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel) prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). They also make it difficult for sperm to reach an egg, or for an egg to implant itself in the lining of the womb.

How effective is Microgynon 30?

When taken correctly, Microgynon is  99% effective in preventing pregnancy. If Microgynon 30 or Microgynon 30 ED are not always taken correctly roughly 9 out of 100 women will get pregnant.

If you are vomiting or have severe diarrhoea you may not be protected against pregnancy. If this happens, continue to take the pill as usual but use a condom whilst you're ill. If this continues for more than 24 hours you should follow the same steps as a missed pill.

Please note – you should only start Microgynon if you’re sure you’re not pregnant.

How long after taking Microgynon 30 and Microgynon 30 ED are you protected?

If you start using Microgynon 30 or Microgynon 30 ED on days 1-5 of your period, you should be protected from pregnancy immediately, provided you don’t have a short or irregular menstrual cycle.

If you start after day 1 and have short/irregular menstrual cycle you’ll need to use condoms for 7 days if you have sex. Your clinician will be able to advise if you need to use extra contraception in the first 7 days if you have sex.

Microgynon 30 & 30 ED dose

Each Microgynon 30 tablet contains 150mcg levonorgestrel and 30mcg ethinylestradiol. The daily dosage is one tablet taken at the same time every day.

Microgynon side effects

Many women do not experience any side effects, however some will. In rare cases, some women develop blood clots or raised blood pressure. For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us through your account.

Common side effects (100 to 1000 in every 10,000 people):

• Feeling sick
• Stomach ache
• Weight gain
• Headaches
• Low mood and mood swings
• Sore or painful breasts 

Uncommon side effects (10 to 100 in every 10,000 people):

• Being sick
• Fluid retention
• Migraine
• Loss of sex drive
• Itchy skin rash
• Breast enlargement  

Rare side effects (1 to 10 in every 10,000 people):

• Weight loss
• Increased sex drive
• Contact lenses become uncomfortable
• Vaginal or breast discharge 

Can Microgynon cause weight gain?

There is no evidence suggesting that taking Microgynon 30 will affect your weight. If you're worried about Microgynon 30 and weight gain, read our article.

Can Microgynon cause blood clots?

You might be worried about contraceptive pill blood clots. Taking the combined pill does increase your risk of developing blood clots. There is a small risk of developing a blood clot in the veins of the legs or lungs (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism). Approximately 3 to 9 women for every 10,000 that take the combined pill. will have a blood clot in the veins. Microgynon isn’t safe for everyone to take, our clinicians will assess your risk for blood clots and recommended alternative contraception if needed.

Microgynon and anxiety

If you’ve not taken Microgynon before you might be wondering, can Microgynon cause mood swings? Mood changes are some of the biggest concerns when using the pill. Common side effects of Microgynon 30 include depressive moods and mood swings. If you notice any mood changes while taking this contraceptive, contact us through your account. 

Important information about Microgynon 30 and Microgynon 30 ED

You can request and pay for Microgynon online. As this pill is a prescription-only medication, even if you are using an online service, you will need a prescription from a clinician before you can buy the treatment. If you want to change your pill, please send us a message via your account.