Microgynon 30
Microgynon 30
Microgynon 30
- Take daily for 21 days, with a 7-day break (alternatives possible)
- 99% effective when taken correctly
- Need yearly blood pressure and weight checks
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 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 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 long does it take for Microgynon 30 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.
What are the side effects of Microgynon 30?
Many women do not experience any side effects, however some will. Microgynon side effects can include mood swings, headaches, tummy pain, breast discomfort or feeling sick. 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.
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.
What should I do if I miss the 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.