Microgynon 30
"A branded combined contraceptive pill that’s highly effective in preventing pregnancy. Contains the hormones ethinylestradiol (oestrogen) and levonorgestrel (progesterone). To take it, you’ll need an annual blood pressure and weight check."
What is Microgynon 30?
Microgynon 30 is a branded combined oral contraceptive that contains the same combination of hormones as Rigevidon. When you take it correctly, the Microgynon pill is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. It can also help with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), making your periods lighter, more regular, and less painful.
Some women also find that the Microgynon combined pill helps with the physical and emotional symptoms of PMS.
How does it work?
The Microgynon contraceptive pill contains the hormones ethinylestradiol (oestrogen) and levonorgestrel (progesterone). Together they work to prevent pregnancy by:
- Stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation).
- Thickening the mucus in your cervix to make it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
- Thinning the lining of the womb, so an egg is less likely to implant itself.
How to use Microgynon 30
Most women choose to take one daily Microgynon 30 pill for 21 days, with a 4 or 7 day break before they start the next pack. You’re likely to have a withdrawal bleed during this break. However, there are other ways to take Microgynon 30.
- Continuous use is taking one Microgynon pill daily without a break.
- Tricycling is where you take a daily pill for 9 weeks without a break (three packs of pills). After these 9 weeks you take a 4 or 7 day break, then start the cycle again.
- Flexible extended use means taking one pill daily for at least 21 days. If you experience heavier bleeds and would rather have a shorter bleed window, you can take a 4-day break instead of 7. On day 5 start taking the pill daily again, and continue for at least 21 days without another break.
Our clinicians will discuss how to use Microgynon 30 with you.
Effectiveness
When taken correctly, the Microgynon oral contraceptive is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. In cases where it’s not taken exactly as prescribed, it can lead to pregnancy for around 9 out of 100 women. So it’s important to follow advice and instructions.
If you’re vomiting or have severe diarrhoea while taking this pill, you may not be protected against pregnancy. If you can have sex, use condoms along with continuing to take the pill as usual. If the vomiting continues for more than 24 hours, follow the same steps as you would for a missed pill.
Important: you should only start taking the Microgynon pill if you’re certain you aren’t pregnant.
Side effects of Microgynon 30
While most women won’t get side effects from taking Microgynon, there are a number you could experience.
1-10% of women could experience these common side effects:
- Feeling sick
- Stomachache
- Weight gain
- Headaches
- Low mood and mood swings
- Sore or painful breasts
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Microgynon patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, including blood clots, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Product features
99% effective when you take it as prescribed
You take it for 21 days followed by a 7-day break
Can make periods lighter
What is Microgynon 30?
Microgynon 30 is a branded combined oral contraceptive that contains the same combination of hormones as Rigevidon. When you take it correctly, the Microgynon pill is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. It can also help with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), making your periods lighter, more regular, and less painful.
Some women also find that the Microgynon combined pill helps with the physical and emotional symptoms of PMS.
How does it work?
The Microgynon contraceptive pill contains the hormones ethinylestradiol (oestrogen) and levonorgestrel (progesterone). Together they work to prevent pregnancy by:
- Stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation).
- Thickening the mucus in your cervix to make it harder for sperm to reach an egg.
- Thinning the lining of the womb, so an egg is less likely to implant itself.
How to use Microgynon 30
Most women choose to take one daily Microgynon 30 pill for 21 days, with a 4 or 7 day break before they start the next pack. You’re likely to have a withdrawal bleed during this break. However, there are other ways to take Microgynon 30.
- Continuous use is taking one Microgynon pill daily without a break.
- Tricycling is where you take a daily pill for 9 weeks without a break (three packs of pills). After these 9 weeks you take a 4 or 7 day break, then start the cycle again.
- Flexible extended use means taking one pill daily for at least 21 days. If you experience heavier bleeds and would rather have a shorter bleed window, you can take a 4-day break instead of 7. On day 5 start taking the pill daily again, and continue for at least 21 days without another break.
Our clinicians will discuss how to use Microgynon 30 with you.
Effectiveness
When taken correctly, the Microgynon oral contraceptive is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. In cases where it’s not taken exactly as prescribed, it can lead to pregnancy for around 9 out of 100 women. So it’s important to follow advice and instructions.
If you’re vomiting or have severe diarrhoea while taking this pill, you may not be protected against pregnancy. If you can have sex, use condoms along with continuing to take the pill as usual. If the vomiting continues for more than 24 hours, follow the same steps as you would for a missed pill.
Important: you should only start taking the Microgynon pill if you’re certain you aren’t pregnant.
Side effects of Microgynon 30
While most women won’t get side effects from taking Microgynon, there are a number you could experience.
1-10% of women could experience these common side effects:
- Feeling sick
- Stomachache
- Weight gain
- Headaches
- Low mood and mood swings
- Sore or painful breasts
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the Microgynon patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, including blood clots, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
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Microgynon 30 FAQs
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How long does Microgynon 30 take to work?
If you start taking Microgynon 30 on days 1-5 of your period, this should give you immediate protection against pregnancy.
However, if you start taking Microgynon 30 at another time in the cycle or if you have a short or irregular menstrual cycle, you’ll need to use extra contraception like condoms for 7 days if you have sex. We’ll advise you on this during your online consultation.
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Does Microgynon 30 stop periods?
It’s possible to avoid having a period if you take 2 packets of Microgynon back-to-back. Our clinicians can advise on delaying your period using contraceptive pills.
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Who can take Microgynon 30?
You should always consult a clinician before taking Microgynon, they can make sure it’s safe for you to take. You might not be able to take Microgynon if you’re a smoker, over 35 years old or overweight due to an increased risk of blood clots.
You also shouldn’t take Microgynon 30 if:
- You have, or have ever had, a blood clot in a blood vessel of your legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT), your lungs (pulmonary embolus, PE) or other organs.
- You have a blood clotting disorder.
- You have, or have ever had, a heart attack or stroke.
- You have very high blood pressure.
There are other instances where the pill is not suitable, and our clinicians can advise on this during your online consultation.
For more information about Microgynon 30 and underlying health conditions, read the patient information leaflet.
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Can I take Microgynon 30 while breastfeeding?
If you’re breastfeeding, we advise against taking Microgynon 30 for 6 weeks after giving birth. Combined contraceptives can reduce milk supply and may also put you at greater risk of blood clots.
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What if I miss my Microgynon 30 pill?
If you miss one pill at any point in your pack or start a new pack 1 day late, you’re still protected from pregnancy.
Here’s what to do:
- Take the missed pill as soon as possible, even if it means taking 2 pills on the same day.
- Continue taking the remaining pills at your regular schedule.
- If you normally have a pill-free break, stick to your usual timing.
If you’ve missed two or more pills (over 48 hours late), your contraceptive protection may be reduced.
Follow these steps:
- Take the most recent missed pill right away, even if it means taking 2 pills in one day.
- Skip any other earlier missed pills.
- Use additional contraception, like condoms, for the next 7 days.
- Continue with your pack as normal.
- You may need emergency contraception if you have had unprotected sex after missing pills.
When you finish the pack after missing pills:
- If there are 7+ pills left in your pack: Finish the pack as usual and take your 7-day pill-free break as planned.
- If fewer than 7 pills are left in your pack: Skip the pill-free break and start a new pack immediately.
You may need emergency contraception if:
- You’ve had unprotected sex after missing pills.
- You had unprotected sex in the 7 days before the missed pills.
Our clinicians can prescribe emergency contraception, if it’s safe to do so.
For full details of correct use and what to do if you miss a pill, please see the Microgynon 30 patient information leaflet. If you need more advice you can contact us in your Patient Record.
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Where can I buy Microgynon 30?
As this pill is prescription only, you’ll need to consult with a clinician before you can buy the treatment even if you’re using an online service.
We can prescribe Microgynon 30 for you online, for discreet home delivery or to pick up from your nearest Well Pharmacy. To make sure it’s safe for you, we'll ask you a few questions including your height, weight and blood pressure.
Start an online consultation. It’s completely confidential and only takes a few minutes.
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What to do if I get Microgynon 30 side effects
You should talk to your doctor if you get any side effects that you think are from taking Microgynon 30, especially if they’re severe and persistent.
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Microgynon 30 warnings
Combined contraceptives can raise your blood pressure, which could be dangerous. So, it’s important to check your blood pressure before starting the treatment, then once a year after that.
As part of your consultation, we’ll ask you if you’ve had your blood pressure checked recently, or checked it yourself at home using a blood pressure monitor. This information is required before we can prescribe combined contraceptives like Microgynon 30.
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Microgynon 30 drug interactions
You should be able to take Microgynon 30 alongside other medications. So that our clinicians can prescribe it safely, you’ll need to let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you’re taking regularly.
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Alternative Microgynon 30 contraception
A combined pill like Microgynon 30 is just one of a wide range of contraceptives we can advise you on and prescribe. These include NuvaRing, Evra Patch, the contraceptive injection, combined pills and progestogen only pills.
See our full contraception range here.
You can also get long-acting contraceptives through your GP or family planning clinic. These include the coil, implants, and contraceptive injections.
