Microgynon 30

Microgynon 30 is a combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) containing two synthetic hormones: ethinylestradiol (30 micrograms) and levonorgestrel (150 micrograms). It is one of the most widely prescribed contraceptive pills in the UK and is used primarily to prevent pregnancy. When taken correctly, Microgynon 30 is over 99% effective.

How It Works

The combination of oestrogen and progestogen in Microgynon 30 prevents pregnancy through several complementary mechanisms. It suppresses ovulation by inhibiting the hormonal signals from the pituitary gland, thickens cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg, and thins the uterine lining to make implantation less likely. These combined effects make it a highly reliable method of contraception.

Additional Benefits

Beyond contraception, Microgynon 30 may help regulate irregular or painful periods, reduce premenstrual symptoms, and decrease the risk of certain conditions including ovarian cysts, benign breast disease, and endometrial and ovarian cancer with long-term use.

Taking Microgynon 30

Microgynon 30 comes in strips of 21 active tablets. Take one tablet daily at the same time each day for 21 consecutive days, then have a seven-day pill-free break. A withdrawal bleed (like a period) usually occurs during the break. Start the next strip after the seven-day break, whether or not bleeding has stopped.

Starting for the First Time

If you start on day 1 of your period, you are immediately protected against pregnancy. If you start on any other day (up to day 5 of your cycle), use condoms for the first seven days. If you miss a tablet by more than 12 hours, use additional contraception until you have taken seven consecutive tablets.

Each Microgynon 30 strip contains 21 film-coated tablets. Each tablet provides ethinylestradiol 30 mcg and levonorgestrel 150 mcg. Take one tablet daily for 21 days followed by a 7-day break. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water at approximately the same time each day to maintain effectiveness.

Common Side Effects

The most commonly reported side effects include nausea, headache, breast tenderness, mood changes, and irregular bleeding or spotting, particularly during the first few months of use. These usually settle as the body adjusts to the hormones. Taking the tablet at bedtime can reduce nausea.

Important Risks to Be Aware Of

Venous thromboembolism (VTE): Combined pills slightly increase the risk of blood clots. The absolute risk remains low (approximately 5–12 per 10,000 women per year compared to 2 per 10,000 in non-users). Seek urgent medical attention if you experience sudden chest pain, breathlessness, leg swelling, or severe headache. There is also a small increased risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and, with prolonged use, breast cancer. These risks increase with smoking, obesity, and age.

Microgynon 30 must not be used by women who smoke and are over 35 years of age. It is not suitable for women with a history of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, severe migraine with aura, uncontrolled hypertension, severe liver disease, or oestrogen-sensitive cancers. Blood pressure should be checked before starting and monitored regularly. Combined pills do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Contraindicated in women with active or past venous or arterial thromboembolism, migraine with aura, severe hypertension (>160/100 mmHg), diabetes with vascular complications, active liver disease or a history of liver tumours, undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, known or suspected hormone-sensitive cancers, and known hypersensitivity to any component. Also contraindicated in heavy smokers aged 35 and over.