Microgynon / Rigevidon

Microgynon / Rigevidon Contraceptive Pills

Microgynon 30 is a combined oral contraceptive. It is the same as other brands including, Levest, Ovranette and Rigevidon.

It provides immediate protection against pregnancy if you start taking it within day 1 to day 5 of the start of your menstrual cycle.

Each tablet contains two active ingredients: ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. 

These ingredients are hormones that work to prevent pregnancy, but can also be used to treat endometriosis, premenstrual cramps, pain and heavy periods.

Microgynon / Rigevidon FAQ

What Is Microgynon / Rigevidon?

Microgynon is a combined oral contraceptive. 

How Does It Work?

1. It stops ovulation meaning the ovaries do not release an egg.

2. It thickens cervical mucus, making it much more difficult for sperm to enter the womb.

3. It thins the lining of the womb or better described as prevents the lining from building up. This ensures that an egg will not settle even if by chance, ovulation has taken place.

What Are The Additional Benefits Of This Type Of Pill?

• Whilst taking, it prevents the likelihood of pregnancy after intercourse by around 99%

• Helps to regulate an irregular period and can also make it lighter.

• Helps to reduce the cramps, pain and mood swings sometimes experienced before and during menstruation.

• Combined oral contraceptives can help control hormone-related acne.

Will It Protect Me Against STIs?

There are currently no forms of contraceptives other than barrier methods that protect against STIs. 

The best form is using a condom. If you think you have an STI, you should contact your GP immediately.

What Is Microgynon 30 ED?

Microgynon 30 ED contains 28 tablets (21 beige and seven white tablets) rather than just the 21 found in standard Microgynon.

The seven white tablets in the Microgynon 30 ED strip are placebo tablets designed to help women remember to take their pill as there is no 7-day break. 

The 21 brown tablets are exactly the same as normal Microgynon tablets.

Will This Pill Cause Me To Gain Weight?

Certain contraceptives have high oestrogen content, which can affect body mass. However, there is little evidence to support this with Microgynon. 

Certain combined contraceptives have also been shown to cause an increase in hunger. Therefore, it's important to keep an eye on your eating habits and satiety whilst on one.

How Do I Use Microgynon / Rigevidon?

If the pill is started between day one and day five of the start of your menstrual cycle, the pill provides immediate protection.

If started after this point, additional barrier methods of contraception (i.e. condoms) should be used for at least 7-days.

If started on day one of your menstrual cycle, the tablet course is:

• One tablet is taken daily around the same time (for best effect) for 21 continual days.

• This is followed by a seven-day rest period. Within this time, you may experience withdrawal bleeding similar to that of your regular period, but this is generally lighter. During this 7-day period, you are still protected from pregnancy.

Missing A Pill

If you miss taking a combined pill, the action you take will depend on how many you have missed and where you are in your cycle.

1. One missed tablet or started new pack one day late:

Take your pill as soon as possible (even if it means taking 2 in the same 24-hour window)

Continue your month as normal from this point onwards. 

You will still be protected from pregnancy as if you hadn’t missed a pill.

2. You have missed two or more tablets or have started the new pack two or more days late:

Take the last missed pill as soon as possible (even if it means taking 2 in the same 24hour window)

You will need to use additional barrier methods of contraception or avoid intercourse until you have started your next pack.

3. If there are six or fewer tablets left in the pack:

Finish the pack as normal, and start the new pack the next day without having a 7-day break

Use additional barrier methods of contraception or avoid sex until you have started your next pack after the seven-day break.

4. If there are seven or more tablets left in the pack:

Finish the pack as normal and take your 7day break before starting the next pack.

Use additional barrier methods of contraception or avoid sex until you have started your next pack after the seven-day break.

What Are The Side Effects Of Microgynon / Rigevidon?

Precautions

You should not take this contraception if you are:

• Pregnant, think you are pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding

• Experiencing unexplained vaginal bleeding

• Smoke

• Prone to suffering migraines

• Have a high BMI (over 35)

• Suffer from heart or circulation problems

• Have had a previous stroke

• Are allergic or sensitive to synthetic oestrogen and progesterone

Side Effects

The most common side effects may include, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, water retention or change in menstrual bleeding.

For a full list of side effects, please read the Patient Information Leaflet.