Microgynon

Microgynon 30 is an oral contraceptive pill, which is recommended to be taken 21 days a month to prevent pregnancy. There is also another variant of this pill – Microgynon 30 ED, which also contain 7 placebo pills apart from the 21 active pills and those will have to be taken everyday(just to keep you on a daily routine). The best day to start this medication is right from the day one of the menstrual cycle, which ensures immediate protection. The pill takes three different approaches to prevent pregnancy, giving you reliable protection. Furthermore, the pill is also useful in treating premenstrual tension, heavy or painful periods and endometriosis. Often, Microgynon is just referred to as 'the pill'.

Formulation of Microgynon 30 Pill

The contraceptive pill packs in artificially synthesized versions of two hormones found in a female's body, known as oestrogen and progesterone. The simple formula of this contraceptive pill is 30 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 150 micrograms of levonorgestrel, which make up artificial equivalence of the oestrogen and progestogen combination.

Concept of Microgynon

A daily dose of this synthetic hormone combination works by getting the female body into deciding that the process of ovulation has already finished. So, naturally, this does not allow the egg to ripen any further and thus, stops the ovary from releasing it.

Microgynon 30: Benefits

The best benefit of Microgynon pill is that, it can give you immediate protection, if you take the pill on the very first day of the menstruation. However, in case you have not been able to take it before, the pill can also benefit you even if you take it after 2 to 5 days after your period has commenced. But, in such a case, you will need to be on another contraception method for the first week.

These pills are very effective in regularizing the menstrual cycle. Moreover, these also ensure that the flow is lighter. If you have a tendency of feeling pain during your periods, this pill can prove to be a great aid, as it has been found to subdue the pain experienced by some women before and during their periods. Some women have also reported a drop in the pre-menstrual symptoms on taking these pills. In a few cases, the pill has also been observed to minimize acne breakouts.

Microgynon 30 in Birth Control

The three ways followed by the Microgynon pill, can be summed up as follows:

1. In its first approach, the pill stops the process of ovulation so as to put an end to the release of the eggs for fertilization.
2. The second approach involves the thickening of the cervix mucous by the pill, which prevents the sperm from entering the womb easily.
3. Finally, it also thickens the womb lining in such a way that it becomes the home of the egg so that it settles down right there and grows.

Who Can Use Microgynon 30?

Any woman who is more than 18 years old and is searching for a long-term remedy for the prevention of pregnancy can opt for the Microgynon pills. However, you are cautioned against this contraceptive if you think you could possibly be pregnant. This pill is strictly not recommended to women who are already pregnant and also who are nursing mothers. Furthermore, if you have a tendency or have a history of unexplained vaginal bleeding, this contraceptive pill may not be the healthiest pregnancy prevention method for you. To add to this, if you have a medical record of heart problems, stroke or circulatory problems, you may not be able to use this contraceptive.

The pills are best used after consultation with a registered medical practitioner and you should ensure that you convey all your medical conditions to the doctor. It would be useful here to note that the contraceptive may not be effective as expected if it is taken alongside certain other medicines. Thus, it becomes crucial to mention to your physician any prescription or over-the-counter drug or treatment you are using.

Microgynon 30: Dosage

It is recommended that you treat yourself with these pills at the same time daily. You may take the contraceptive with or without food. This is a mono-phasic 21 days pill, which means you can take only a single type of pill for the entire cycle. So, for every 28 days cycle there will be a week's period, when you will be required to take this pill. If you have taken the pills exactly as instructed, you can rest assured of being fully protected during this week's time.

This is because, in those 7 days gap, the hormone levels in your blood comes down and causes a withdrawal bleed that is similar to your regular period. The next pack of this contraceptive can be resumed after the first round of seven pill-free days are complete, even in the case, when you are still bleeding.

Microgynon tablets are sold in calendar packs, with weekly markers that help you in easily remembering that you have to take one pill daily for three weeks, keeping the following week off. You will remain completely protected against unwanted pregnancy if you start taking this pill immediately after an abortion or a miscarriage within 24 weeks. However, if you get on to this contraceptive pill more than 7 days later after a miscarriage or abortion, it would be ideal to use extra contraception measures during the first 7 days of using it.

Potential Side Effects of Microgynon

It cannot be ruled out completely that Microgynon pills don't have side effects, but even then, they are thought to be quite mild in nature, for which, no treatment may be needed. Some of the side effects that may be faced include migraines/headaches, breast enlargement, breast tenderness, weight changes, cellular water retention, vaginal thrush, nausea and vomiting. In rare cases, circulation issues may also be experienced.

If You Forget Taking the Pill

In any case, if you miss taking one Microgynon pill, or you begin with the new pack a day later, it is recommended that you take the missed pill the soonest possible and then, continue with the rest of the pack like usual. You will still be safe against unwanted pregnancy and wouldn't have to depend on additional contraception.

In such a case, where you have missed two or more Microgynon pills or you have begun late by two or more days, you won't be safe against pregnancy. You will have to take the last Microgynon pill that you had forgotten to take at the earliest and forget about the other missed pills. Then, simply continue taking the pills on a daily basis as instructed. During this period, you should either refrain from intercourse or take the help of addition barrier contraception methods like condoms for the following 7 days.