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Microgynon

Combined Pill|Active ingredient(s): Ethinylestradiol & Levonorgestrel|Manufacturer: Various

Close-up of a woman’s hands holding an unbranded contraceptive pill on a pink background.

Effective contraception: a simple-to-take combined pill

  • Over 99% effective with perfect use.
  • Effective immediately, if started on days 1-5 of your period.
  • Take 21 pills for 21 days then have a 7-day break.
  • Can help improve menstrual symptoms like painful periods.

How to take

Close-up of a woman holding a phone with a calendar on the screen in one hand and a strip of contraceptive pills in the other hand.

One pill once daily

You take one Microgynon pill every day for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break.

An alarm clock, unbranded pills and a red feather on a menstrual pad on a pink background.

Delay your period

You can skip your period if you have an event or holiday coming up by skipping the 7-day break.

A young woman holding up a strip of unbranded contraceptive pills.

Missed pill?

If your pill is more than 24 hours late, you may need to take extra precautions like condoms for 7 days.

What others say about Microgynon

Trustpilot review
17 reviews with score 5

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Price is all-inclusive.
Consultation is included.
Prescription is included.

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UK: Free next-day delivery.
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Microgynon

What is Microgynon?

Microgynon 30 is a combined pill, otherwise known as “the pill”. It is one of the most well-known, effective, and easy-to-use contraceptives. You take a pill once a day for 21 days, and then have a 7-day break to allow for a bleed.

Is Rigevidon the same as Microgynon?

Rigevidon is the generic version of Microgynon 30. It contains the same ingredients (ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel) and is equally effective. The only difference is the name and the price.

How does Microgynon work?

Microgynon works in 3 main ways:

  • Preventing ovulation - the process by which the ovary releases an egg each month.
  • Thickening the cervical mucus - this makes it harder for semen to enter the cervix and fertilise an egg.
  • Thinning the lining of the womb - this makes it harder for an egg to implant into the womb lining if fertilised.

Microgynon is a combined pill. It contains synthetic versions of the hormones oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) and progesterone (levonorgestrel).

It works by balancing the levels of hormones, preventing these reproductive processes from happening.

How effective is it?

Microgynon is over 99% effective when used perfectly every time. However, with typical use, it is 91% effective.

The effectiveness of your contraception can be affected by missing pills. Therefore, you must take Microgynon correctly to make sure it is effective and to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

How long does it take Microgynon to work?

Microgynon 30 is effective immediately if you start taking it:

  • days 1-5 of your cycle
  • the day after your last active pill, patch, or ring (if switching to Microgynon from another combined contraceptive)*

Microgynon will not be effective for at least 7 days if you start taking it on day 6 of your cycle or after. You will need to use extra protection (e.g. a condom) for at least 7 days to allow Microgynon to become effective.

You will also need to use extra contraception if switching from a progestogen-only method to a combined pill.

*You must skip the hormone-free break of your previous contraception if you are switching to Microgynon.

Who can use Microgynon?

Most adult women can take Microgynon for birth control. However, some women should not take it because they are more at risk of side effects.

Do not take Microgynon if you:

  • have high blood pressure
  • have a heart condition
  • have migraine with aura
  • smoke and are aged 35 years and over
  • have had a stroke or “mini stroke”
  • have had a heart attack
  • are off your feet for a long period of time
  • have severe liver disease

If you have any other medical condition or take any other medicine, you should consult your doctor before taking Microgynon.

How do I take Microgynon?

Each strip contains 21 pills. You take the one pill daily for 21 days. Then, you have a 7-day break. You start a new strip of pills after the last day of the break.

You must take each pill at roughly the same time each day. This is to ensure maximum effectiveness.

What happens if I miss a pill?

A missed pill is more than 24 hours late.

If you miss a pill, you should:

  • Take it as soon as you remember, even if that means taking 2 pills in one day.
  • Use extra barrier contraception (condoms) for at least 48 hours.
  • Take emergency contraception if you had unprotected sex from the time you missed the pill until 48 hours after you have resumed taking it correctly.

If you had unprotected sex in that period, you should consider a pregnancy test 21 days afterwards.

Are there any side effects?

Like all prescription medicines, Microgynon may cause side effects. The most common side effects should go away on their own once your body gets used to the medicine.

Common side effects (up to 1 in 10 people):

  • stomach pain
  • mood changes
  • fluid retention
  • headache
  • low sex drive (low libido)
  • vaginal discharge
  • feeling sick (nausea)
  • skin reactions
  • weight gain
  • periods that last for longer than 7 days

Taking Microgynon slightly increases your risk of blood clots. Make sure you learn the signs and symptoms of blood clots. Read the patient information leaflet (PIL) for more information.

Speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any persistent or serious side effects. If you experience any serious side effects, please seek emergency medical attention.

Does Microgynon cause weight gain?

Microgynon can cause a small amount of weight gain. However, it is unlikely to cause significant weight gain.

Can Microgynon stop periods?

Microgynon is designed so that you have a period, or withdrawal bleed, each month. However, you can skip the pill break if you want to delay your period. Simply start the next strip of pills straight away.

Is Microgynon safe?

Yes, Microgynon is a safe and clinically-proven contraceptive. But if you have another medical condition or take other medication, your doctor will need to ensure it’s safe for you. Our doctors will also know whether it’s safe for you based on your medical questionnaire during the ordering process.

Can I get Microgynon without a prescription?

Safety is our number one priority at 121doc. For this reason, our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

  • safety during treatment
  • effective results
  • monitoring of side effects
Medical review byDr. Caroline FontanaLast review 05 November 2025
Dr. Caroline Fontana

Note: You must complete a short online consultation so that our doctor can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you. The above pricing should only be used as a reference. The final decision to issue this treatment lies with the prescribing doctor.

Microgynon Overview

Type of medicine Combined pill
Used for Contraception
Active ingredient Ethinylestradiol & levonorgestrel
Works by Preventing ovulation
Effective within Immediately, if started on days 1-5 of your period
Available as Tablets
Available dosages 30 mcg of Ethinylestradiol/ 150 mcg of Levonorgestrel
Usage instructions Take one pill once a day at the same time each day for 21 days, then have a pill-free break for 7 days.
Packaging Foil blister packs in cardboard cartons
Manufacturer Bayer plc
Generic available? No

FAQs

What is included in the online consultation?
Will a doctor review my consultation?
What happens after I submit my order?
What services are included with my order?
Is the price all-inclusive?
What are my delivery options?
Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?
Is this service discreet?
What is included in the online consultation?

Our online consultations are in the format of short medical questionnaires. You will be asked general questions about your health and medical history, as well as specific medical questions relevant to the treatment you have chosen. We will also ask you for your payment and delivery details to complete the order.

Online consultations take no longer than 5 minutes to complete. All questions are necessary when issuing prescription medicines. It means that our doctors can make sure the treatment is safe and right for you.

Will a doctor review my consultation?

Yes, it is a legal requirement that all online consultations are reviewed by a registered doctor. This is to make sure the chosen treatment is safe and right for you to take. All personal information is stored securely and confidentially.

Please note, all orders are subject to doctor approval, and we cannot guarantee that your order will be approved.

What happens after I submit my order?

Your online consultation will be sent directly to our medical team, where it will be reviewed by on of our in-house doctors.

If a doctor approves you for treatment, they will issue a prescription. Your prescription will then be forwarded to our pharmacist, where you medication will be dispensed and dispatched for delivery.

What services are included with my order?

Every order includes:

  • Free consultation - your consultation will be personally reviewed by one of our registered doctors.
  • Free prescription - a doctor will issue you a prescription if approved for treatment.
  • Free delivery - we provide free express delivery across Europe, you should receive your order in 1-2 working days.
Is the price all-inclusive?

Yes, our service is all-inclusive and there are no hidden fees. All 121doc orders include a free online consultation, a free prescription and free express delivery.

What are my delivery options?

We offer several delivery options at no extra charge:

  • Next-day delivery
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  • Nominated-day delivery - choose the most convenient day for delivery

All these options can be tracked and require a signature on delivery. If you are not in, a friend or relative can sign in your place.

Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?

It is safe to buy prescription medications online from genuine and reputable healthcare providers, like 121doc.

Our medical staff and facilities are registered with the relevant medical governing bodies. We also ensure your data is protected by adhering to European data privacy laws.

You can learn more about our certifications here.

Is this service discreet?

Our patients’ privacy is of utmost importance. All your medical information is securely stored and only viewed by our doctors. We do not share your details with third-parties. We are also closely adhere to data privacy laws.

All orders will only show on invoices, bank statements, etc. as ‘HHC Ltd’.

How does it work?

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Every order starts with an online consultation. We will ask you medical questions to make sure only treatment that is safe and effective is prescribed. We take into account your lifestyle, health and any other medications you’re currently using.

The consultation is completely free, and takes between 5 and 10 minutes of your time.

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If you need any guidance, you can call, message or email our customer service team via the ‘How can we help you?' section here.

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As soon as you place the order, one of our doctors will review your consultation. On working days, this usually takes around one hour.

Questions:

If the doctor has any additional questions, you will receive a phone call and an email. We understand you might be at work or busy. Our customer service representatives are always discreet and can call back at a more convenient time if necessary.

Our emails never contain any personal or medical information, only a link to your private account on our website (where you will find your messages).

Pharmacy:

Once our pharmacy receives your prescription, you will get a second email with your package tracking code.

Deliver
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Free:

All orders include next-day delivery. Alternatively, you can select a delivery date that suits you better.

Location:

We also provide a free UPS Access Point service. Pick up your package from one of many collection points across the UK.

With your tracking code, you will know the estimated delivery time. All we need is your signature (or a friend‘s or relative’s).

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All parcels are plainly labelled; there is no logo or any indication of its contents. Inside, you will find your treatment as well as a patient leaflet in your chosen language.

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