What is Microgynon?

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

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

What is Microgynon used for?  

Micorgynon 30 is 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. 

How does Microgynon 30 work?

The hormones in Microgynon 30 (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 long does Microgynon take to work?

If you start using Microgynon 30 on days one to five 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 seven days if you have sex.  

How effective is Microgynon 30?

When taken correctly, Microgynon 30 is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. If it’s 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 30 if you’re sure you’re not pregnant.  

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. 

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 Patient Record.

Microgynon dose

Each Microgynon 30 tablet contains 150mg levonorgestrel and 30mg 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 Patient Record.

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 30 stop periods?

Taking 2 packs of Microgynon back-to-back means you can avoid having a period.

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. Between 5 and 12 people out of every 10,000 taking combined contraception will get a blood clot. 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 Patient Record.