Microgynon
What is Microgynon?
Microgynon is a combined oral contraceptive pill that is 99% effective if taken correctly. It uses the female sex hormones ethinylestradiol (synthetic oestrogen) and levonorgestrel (synthetic progestogen), which work together to change the reproductive environment, temporarily making it almost impossible for an egg to be fertilised.
Women who buy Microgynon contraceptive pills must take a tablet every day to ensure they’re protected against pregnancy. It’s popular with women who can remember to take a pill each day and don’t want to interrupt sex to use a barrier contraceptive, such as a condom.
How do you use it?
Microgynon is a monophasic pill, which means that every pill contains the same dosage of hormones. You need to take one pill at the same time each day. This will ensure it works effectively, and will also help you to get into the habit of taking it every day.
You should take one Microgynon birth control pill every day for 21 days. After these three weeks you’ll have a seven-day break from taking pills, during which you’ll still be protected from pregnancy. It’s likely that you’ll experience bleeding during this week, but this isn’t your normal period; it’s known as a withdrawal bleed.
Women who buy Microgynon pills should start using it on the first day of their period, which ensures the pill is effective immediately. You can take Microgynon up until the fifth day of your period, but it will take a week to become effective. Choosing to wait for a few days means you’ll have to use a barrier contraceptive, such as a condom, to stop you falling pregnant.
If you forget to take one or two pills, you should take one as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two in the same day. You will still be protected, but you must continue taking the pill as instructed.
If you miss three or more Microgynon pills, you won’t be protected from pregnancy. You should take the last tablet you missed as soon as you remember, put the other missed pills in the bin and use barrier contraceptives for the next seven days. If you miss these pills in the third week of your packet, you should skip the pill-free week and start a new packet immediately.
What are the benefits?
Women who buy Microgynon pills find the biggest benefits to be:
- Reduced pain during menstruation
- Lighter periods
- Endometriosis and PMS treatment
- Acne improvement
- Reduced excess body hair
Who can and cannot take it?
Certain health conditions could prevent you from being given a prescription so you can buy Microgynon. These include suffering from a movement disorder; asthma; diabetes; epilepsy, gallstones; kidney problems or high blood pressure, to name a few.
It’s important you tell your doctor your medical history and whether you’re taking medication. This is to make sure it’s safe for you to buy Microgynon. If a medical expert feels it’s not suitable for you, they will recommend another pill.
What did it do for me?
I started taking the pill because I wanted to make sure I didn't fall pregnant and because my periods were painful when I was a teenager. I was prescribed Microgynon and it worked; I get very little PMT, my periods are regular for the first time in my life and I’m no longer stuck in bed with crippling cramps. I’ve heard that some women gain weight when taking Microgynon, but I didn’t. I’m glad I decided to buy Microgynon - it’s certainly helped my periods become more manageable and has stopped me from falling pregnant. 
