Microgynon

Microgynon is an oral combined contraceptive pill that contains two active ingredients. One of them is Levonorgestrel, a synthetic form of progesterone which helps to prevent pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucus to stop sperm from reaching the egg. It also contains Ethinylestradiol, a synthetic form of oestrogen that helps stop ovulation by mimicking the effects of natural oestrogen to disrupt the hormonal feedback mechanisms which control the menstrual cycle, thereby preventing ovulation.

Microgynon is used as a birth control method. The 150 mcg of levonorgestrel and the 30 mcg of ethinylestradiol work together to inhibit ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and alter the uterine lining, making it less suitable for implantation, and therefore reducing the chance of becoming pregnant.

Microgynon works by releasing synthetic versions of oestrogen (ethinylestradiol 30 mcg) and progesterone (levonorgestrel 150 mcg).

These active ingredients provide a dual-action approach to preventing pregnancy. Firstly, they stop ovulation, meaning the ovaries do not release an egg every month, minimising the possibility of fertilisation.

Secondly, they thicken the cervical mucus, blocking sperm from entering and preventing fertilisation.

These hormones thin the uterus lining, making it more difficult for a fertilised egg to implant itself and develop into a foetus.

Microgynon is a 21-day pill, meaning you swallow one whole with water consecutively for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break from taking the pill during which you should experience a ‘withdrawal bleed’.

The ‘withdrawal bleed’ mimics your monthly period and is completely normal to experience.

Begin the next pack on the eighth day, regardless of whether the withdrawal bleeding has stopped. It's advisable to take the pill at the same time each day to maintain optimal effectiveness.

If taken correctly, Microgynon is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. It is immediately effective in stopping pregnancy if taken between days 1 and 5 of menstruation.

If you take it at any other point during the menstrual cycle or if you have irregular periods which make it difficult to predict when ovulation will occur, Microgynon will take around 7 days to be effective in preventing pregnancy.

Microgynon will be immediately effective in preventing pregnancy if it is taken between days 1 and 5 of the menstrual cycle.

However, if the individual experiences diarrhoea or vomiting, Microgynon may take up to 7 days to start offering protection during which time barrier contraceptives such as condoms should be used to prevent pregnancy. 

You will not experience a typical period while taking Microgynon pills. However, during the 7-day break window after taking one Microgynon pill per day for 21 consecutive days, you are likely to experience withdrawal bleeding due to a decrease in hormone levels in the body, which mimics a period.

If you miss a Microgynon pill, it is important to take it as soon as you remember. If you miss taking a single dose of Microgynon, it is unlikely to affect contraceptive effectiveness; however, missing multiple doses will decrease the efficacy of Microgynon.

If you take Microgynon up to 12 hours after your usual time, it should not affect its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.

In cases where it's been more than 12 hours, take the missed pill immediately and the next one at your usual time, even if it means taking two pills in one day. In these cases, it is recommended to use additional contraception, such as condoms, for the next 7 days for maximum prevention of pregnancy.

There is not enough substantial evidence to suggest that Microgynon causes weight gain. However, some individuals do experience weight changes whilst their body adjusts to the pill. These weight changes may occur due to various factors, such as fluid retention, hormonal fluctuations, or lifestyle changes. It is important to note that reactions to contraceptives will vary between individuals.

Microgynon is sometimes referred to as Microgynon 30 but this is simply the branded name of the contraception.

Levest is medically identical to Microgynon as both oral contraceptive pills contain the same active ingredients and dosage (ethinylestradiol 30 mcg and levonorgestrel 150 mcg). The only difference between these two products is the name of the manufacturer and the brand name.

Similarly, Microgynon and Rigevidon are medically identical with both pills containing the same active ingredients and dosage (ethinylestradiol 30 mcg and levonorgestrel 150 mcg). The only difference between these two products is the branding. 

Microgynon and Yasmin are both combined oral contraceptive pills containing oestrogen and progestogen. Microgynon contains ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel, while Yasmin contains ethinylestradiol and drospirenone. Both work the same way to prevent pregnancy, however, they have different side effects. While the active ingredients in both Microgynon and Yasmin carry out the same functions, the side effects may differ depending on an individual’s health profile and the way their body interacts with hormones.

You should not use Microgynon 30 if you have any of the following health conditions:

• If you have (or have ever had) a blood clot in a blood vessel of your legs or other organs
• If you have a disorder affecting blood clotting
• If you need an operation or if you are off your feet for a long time
• If you have ever had a heart attack or stroke
• If you have (or have ever had) angina pectoris (a condition that causes severe chest pain) or transient ischaemic attack (TIA – temporary stroke symptoms)
• Severe diabetes with blood vessel damage
• High blood pressure
• High level of fat in the blood (cholesterol or triglycerides)
• Hyperhomocysteinaemia
• If you experience severe migraines called ‘migraine with aura’
• If you have or have ever had breast cancer
• If you have had any severe liver issues
• If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Microgynon 30

There are several alternative oral contraceptive pills you could consider if Microgynon is not suitable:

• Yasmin or Lucette which contain ethinylestradiol and drospirenone.
• A progestogen-only pill (mini-pill) such as Lovima, Cerelle and Cerazette (which contain desogestrel), Noriday 350 mcg (which contains Norethisterone), and Norgeston (which contains Levonorgestrel).