Microgynon 30 ED

Microgynon 30 ED is a contraceptive pill containing the synthetic progesterone levonorgestrel and the synthetic oestrogen ethinylestradiol. It's a reliable long term reversible contraceptive that protects against pregnancy with an effectiveness rate of over 99% when taken correctly.

Benefits of Microgynon 30 ED

Microgynon 30 ED acts on your reproductive system quickly and effectively to prevent pregnancy. It's a reliable contraceptive pill that allows sex to happen naturally without interruption.

Alongside its contraceptive benefits Microgynon 30 ED reduces the effects of PMS in some women by lightening flow and regulating periods.

Lighter periods may also help women struggling with endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome as it reduces the amount of endometrium produced each month, and because it is possible to take Microgynon 30 ED without a break, women can avoid having a period altogether.

Microgynon 30 ED can also help with acne and other skin problems caused by hormonal fluctuations.

Without hormonal contraception your body responds to the natural flow of sex hormones that fluctuate each month. These hormones tell your ovaries when it's time to release an egg. They also indicate that the time for fertilisation has passed, and it should discard the womb-lining as a menstrual period.

Hormonal contraception changes this process. When you take Microgynon 30 ED your hormones respond to the synthetic oestrogen and progesterone introduced to your system.

Combined pills prevent pregnancy by preventing your ovaries from releasing an egg each month, increasing the thickness of naturally occurring cervical mucus so that sperm cannot enter the womb, and thinning the womb lining so an egg cannot implant there.

This threefold method means combined contraception like Microgynon 30 ED is one of the most reliable.

Microgynon 30 ED pills contain 150 micrograms of the progesterone levonorgestrel and 30 micrograms of the oestrogen ethinylestradiol plus seven inactive tablets. This is a lower dose than some of the other combined contraceptive pills.

Each blister strip of Microgynon 30 ED contains 28 tablets. You need to take all the tablets in the correct order. The first 21 pills are active but the seven final pills do not have any hormones in them. When you reach the 28th pill you should start a new packet immediately.

Other combined contraceptives contain 21 pills followed by seven pill free days, but busy or forgetful women may not remember to start the new pack on time. Microgynon 30 ED makes sure taking a pill is part of your everyday routine by including seven 'dummy' pills for the seven day break.

During the week that you take the inactive 'dummy' pills you may experience a withdrawal bleed. This is not a true period, but a reaction to the drop in progesterone. Start the next packet even if you are still bleeding, you should never leave a gap.

When to start taking Microgynon 30 ED

You should start Microgynon 30 ED pills on the first day of your period as this provides immediate contraceptive cover. You can start at another point in your cycle, but be sure to use barrier contraception for seven days to allow Microgynon 30 ED time to influence your cycle.

If you are swapping from a 21 day combined contraceptive pill, vaginal ring or contraceptive patch to Microgynon 30 ED you should take your first tablet as soon as you finish the current contraceptive. You will miss your seven day bleed and have contraception protection straight away.

Swapping from a progesterone only pill is managed by taking Microgynon 30 ED on the first day of your period, even if that means taking two pills in one day. There will be no gap in contraceptive cover.

If you have a miscarriage or an abortion during the first three months of pregnancy, your doctor may tell you to start taking Microgynon 30 ED straight away. This means that you will have contraceptive protection with your first pill.

If you have recently given birth Microgynon 30 ED can be started 21 days after delivery on the advice of your doctor and provided you are moving around freely. Breastfeeding mums should ask advice as combined contraceptive pills can interfere with their milk supply.

What to do if you miss a pill

It's important to take Microgynon 30 ED each day at the same time to ensure continuous contraceptive cover, however, forgotten pills are common.

If you forget your pill, follow these instructions:

• Less than 12 hours late: Take your pill straight away - no other contraception is required. A missed pill is one that's more than 12 hours late.
• More than 12 hours late: Taking Microgynon 30 ED more than twelve hours late may reduce its effectiveness. You should take the missed pill as soon as you remember, continue taking your pills as usual, and use barrier contraception for seven days.

If there are less than seven active pills left in the blister strip, do not take the inactive pills, but start a new strip straight away.

If you forget to take an inactive pill, just take it when you remember.

If you have forgotten pills and you've had sex, you should consider using emergency contraception such as the morning after pill ellaOne, or ask your medical professional for an IUD. A missed bleed when you reach the next batch of inactive pills could mean you are pregnant.

Vomiting or diarrhoea

Vomiting and diarrhoea can have an impact on contraception because the pill may not have fully absorbed.

If you are sick or have diarrhoea four hours after taking Microgynon 30 ED you should take another pill straight away. If you have stopped being unwell your contraception should not be affected. If you continue to be ill you should keep taking your pill and use barrier contraception for seven days following recovery.

Diarrhoea can be triggered for many reasons from a bug to alcohol, stress, undercooked food, medicines, and weight loss medications.

Microgynon 30 ED contains levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol, which is synthetic progesterone and oestrogen respectively. There is only one dosage of Microgynon 30 ED and this is 0.15mg of oestrogen and 30mcg of progesterone.

All medications can potentially cause side effects. Some of these are welcome, such as relief from PMS, endometriosis and acne, but other side effects are not so desirable.

Lower dose pills like Microgynon 30 ED may lower the risk of side effects compared to combined contraceptives with a higher dose of hormones.

Some of the more common side effects of Microgynon 30 ED include headaches, feeling nauseous, stomach-ache and sore breasts. Spotting or light bleeding can also occur. This is not usually a problem and often settles down after a few months, but if the bleeding is heavy seek advice.

These mild symptoms often go away after a few months as your body adjusts to the new hormones, but if they persist speak to your doctor who may suggest a different brand of pill or another form of contraception.

Uncommon side effects can include migraine, sickness or itchy skin, and even more uncommonly intolerance of contact lenses, losing interest in sex or breast enlargement. Speak to your doctor if you experience these.

On very rare occasions a woman may have an allergic reaction to the ingredients in Microgynon 30 ED. The signs are difficulty breathing, an itchy swollen mouth, tongue and lips, or hives. If you experience an allergic reaction seek immediate medical help.

Microgynon 30 ED and Blood Clots

Blood clots are very rare but the combined pill slightly raises the risk of experiencing one.

For every 10,000 women using the combined pill between five and seven may experience a blood clot in a year, whereas in non-pill users the risk is two out 10,000 women. The extra risk is very small.

Women with certain health conditions have a higher risk of developing a blood clot. This includes women who are over 35 and smoke, and women who are overweight or obese.

The signs of a blood clot or thrombosis are a pain or swelling in the leg, chest pain, weakness or numbness, and sudden changes to your vision.

A full list of Microgynon 30 ED side effects can be found on the patient leaflet. Bear in mind that women may react differently depending on their health and sensitivities, and some women will experience no side effects at all.

Microgynon 30 ED may decrease the effectiveness of some medicines and prevent them from working properly.

It's important to tell your doctor about over-the-counter therapies, prescription medications and recreational drugs.

Medicines that can stop Microgynon 30 ED from working properly include epilepsy medicines, HIV medicines, griseofulvin used to treat fungal infections, some antibiotics, sedatives and the herbal treatment St John's Wort.

If you are prescribed medication tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are currently taking Microgynon 30 ED to be sure it won't compromise your contraception.

There are some health conditions and lifestyle choices that mean you will need an alternative contraception to Microgynon 30 ED.

Tell your doctor about any ill health or conditions you currently have or have experienced in the past.

These conditions mean you should not take Microgynon 30 ED:

• An allergy to the ingredients
• Blots clots or a blood clotting disorder
• Heart attack, angina, TIA or stroke
• Severe diabetes with blood vessel damage
• Very high blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Migraines with aura (visual disturbances)
• Liver disease

If you are due an operation that means you will be off your feet, your doctor may tell you to stop taking Microgynon 30 ED as inactivity raises the risk of a blood clot.

Other conditions that may prevent taking Microgynon 30 ED include being overweight, a smoker over the age of 35, Crohn's disease, lupus, varicose veins, diabetes or a family history of blood clots or disorders.

Ordering contraception online is the hassle-free way of staying protected. To buy Microgynon 30 ED, simply complete an online consultation that is reviewed by our doctor. Our medications are discreetly packaged so you can get Microgynon ED delivered to your workplace or shared accommodation in confidence.