Contraception treatment Microgynon

microgynon 30, contraception treatment

What is Microgynon?

Microgynon 30 is a combined oral contraceptive pill, commonly referred to as 'the Pill,' designed to prevent pregnancy. This contraceptive contains two key female sex hormones: ethinylestradiol (oestrogen) and levonorgestrel (progestogen).  

These hormones work together in three ways to prevent pregnancy: 

  • Preventing ovulation: Microgynon 30 inhibits the release of an egg from the ovaries, reducing the chance of fertilisation. 

  • Thickening cervical mucus: It enhances the thickness of cervical mucus, creating a barrier that makes it challenging for sperm to enter the womb. 

  • Inhibiting womb lining thickening: Microgynon 30 prevents the thickening of the womb lining, making it harder for an egg to implant and grow. 

Microgynon 30 follows a 21-day pill regimen, requiring daily intake for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day break where no pills are taken. 

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What is Microgynon used to treat?

Microgynon 30 is an oral contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol. It prevents pregnancy but does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Each box includes three strips of 21 tablets – a three-month supply.  

Who can and cannot take medicines containing Microgynon?

Microgynon 30 is suitable for most healthy women, but it's important to consider individual health conditions. Before starting the pill: 

  • your doctor will assess your medical and family history, check blood pressure, and confirm non-pregnancy 

  • regular check-ups, cervical smear tests, and breast examinations are recommended while using the pill 

  • Inform your doctor if you plan to undergo surgery, as the pill may need to be temporarily stopped to reduce the risk of blood clots 

Microgynon 30 should not be used if you have any of the following conditions: 

  • history of blood clots in legs, lungs, or other organs 

  • disorders affecting blood clotting (protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, antithrombin-III deficiency, Factor V Leiden, or antiphospholipid antibodies) 

  • history of heart attack, stroke, angina pectoris, or transient ischaemic attack 

  • diseases increasing the risk of clot in arteries, severe diabetes, very high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglycerides, hyperhomocysteinaemia 

  • history of 'migraine with aura,' breast cancer, severe liver disease, liver tumours, or allergy to Microgynon 30 ingredients 

  • use of certain medications to treat hepatitis C 

Contact your doctor if: 

  • you experience symptoms of angioedema (swelling of face, tongue, and/or throat) 

  • you have Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, lupus, haemolytic uraemic syndrome, sickle cell anaemia, pancreatitis, or elevated fat levels in the blood 

  • you undergo surgery or are off your feet for an extended period 

  • you've recently given birth 

  • you have inflammation in veins, varicose veins, diabetes, heart or circulation issues, blood clotting problems, porphyria, obesity, migraines, or any condition worsened during pregnancy or previous pill use 

Using Microgynon 30 increases the risk of blood clots in veins (venous thrombosis) or arteries (arterial thrombosis). Blood clots can have serious and lasting effects, and, in rare cases, may be fatal. Seek medical attention if you notice symptoms of a blood clot. It's essential to assess the benefits and risks of the pill with your doctor. 

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How do I know if Microgynon 30 is right for me?

If you have heavy periods or painful periods, PMS (premenstrual syndrome) or endometriosis the combined pill may help.  

The combined pill is not suitable if you are over 35 and smoke, or if you have certain medical conditions. 

There is no evidence that the pill will make you gain weight.  

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Frequently asked questions

Like all medicines, Microgynon 30 can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 

Serious but rare side effects (between 1 and 10 in every 10,000 users may be affected) include: 

  • harmful blood clots in veins or arteries (DVT, PE, heart attack, stroke) 

  • blood clots in the liver, stomach/intestine, kidneys, or eye 

Seek emergency medical attention if you suspect you may be experiencing one of these side effects. 

Contact a doctor immediately if you experience: 

  • symptoms of angioedema (swollen face, tongue, throat, difficulty swallowing, or hives with difficulty breathing) 

  • signs of severe allergic reaction: swelling, red bumpy rash, itching 

  • signs of breast cancer: dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple, visible or palpable lumps 

  • signs of cervical cancer: unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding, pelvic pain, painful sex 

  • signs of severe liver problems: upper abdominal pain, yellow skin or eyes, itching 

Common side effects (between 100 and 1000 in every 10,000 users may be affected): 

Nausea, stomach ache, weight gain, headaches, depressive moods or mood swings, sore or painful breasts. If you do experience these, they usually settle down within a few months.  

Uncommon side effects (between 10 and 100 in every 10,000 users may be affected): 

Vomiting, stomach upsets, fluid retention, migraine, loss of interest in sex, breast enlargement, itchy skin rash. 

Rare side effects (between 1 and 10 in every 10,000 users may be affected): 

Poor tolerance of contact lenses, weight loss, increased interest in sex, vaginal or breast discharge. 

Other reported side effects include: 

  • bleeding and spotting between periods (especially in the first few months) 

  • chloasma (yellow-brown patches on the skin) 

  • occurrence or deterioration of the movement disorder chorea 

There may be a link between the pill and depression but evidence is mixed and further research is needed. 

Microgynon 30 is available in the form of beige sugar-coated tablets. Each tablet contains two active substances: 150 micrograms of the progestogen levonorgestrel and 30 micrograms of the oestrogen ethinylestradiol. 

The tablets come in a box of Microgynon 30, which contains three strips of 21 beige tablets each.  

  • Reliable contraception: When used correctly, Microgynon 30 is one of the most dependable reversible contraception methods. 

  • Non-interruptive: It allows for uninterrupted sexual activity. 

  • Regulates menstrual cycles: Typically leads to regular, lighter, and less painful periods. 

  • May alleviate pre-menstrual symptoms: Some users may experience relief from pre-menstrual symptoms. 

While Microgynon 30 is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, it does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia or HIV. To safeguard against these infections, the use of condoms is recommended in conjunction with Microgynon 30. 

Before starting Microgynon 30 or any contraceptive method, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised guidance and to ensure suitability based on individual health considerations. 

When taken correctly, the pill is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. This means that fewer than 1 in 100 who use the combined pill as contraception will get pregnant in 1 year.  

The standard way to take the pill is to take 1 every day for 21 days, then have a break for 7 days, and during this week you have a bleed like a period. You start taking the pill again after 7 days.  

You may be able to take some types of pill with no or shorter breaks (a tailored regime), which may reduce some side effects. Speak to a doctor or nurse about your options.  

You need to take the pill at around the same time every day. You could get pregnant if you do not do this, or if you miss a pill, or vomit or have severe diarrhoea.  

Some medicines may make the pill less effective. Check with your doctor if you're taking any other medication.