Birth Control
Yasmin Birth Control 101: How It Works, How To Take It and Potential Side Effects
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Fertility
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With so many variations of birth control methods available ranging from birth control pills, patches and even insertable rings, it might be a confusing experience when researching for a primary form of birth control that is best for you.
Don't worry! We at Zoey have got you covered and can give you the 411 on Microgynon 30, an effective form of birth control pill.
In this article, we will be explaining what Microgynon 30 is, how it works, how to take the birth control , what you should do if you ever miss a dose and the potential side effects that could occur while taking Microgynon 30.
Microgynon 30 is a combination birth control pill that contains 2 active ingredients: ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel. These active ingredients are similar to the female hormones, progesterone and oestrogen, and prevent unwanted pregnancy from occurring.
So how does Microgynon 30 work?
Together with ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel, Microgynon 30 prevents pregnancies in three different ways. In the first way, the medication stops ovulation from occurring thus preventing the egg from being fertilized by sperm. The second way Microgynon 30 is able to prevent pregnancy from occurring is by thickening the cervical mucus; this makes it difficult for the sperm from entering the womb. The third way it prevents pregnancy is by thinning the womb lining which makes it difficult for the egg to attach itself to and grow in it. By preventing the fertilized egg from being implanted, the egg will then pass out of the body.
The benefits of taking Microgynon 30 is that one of the most effective and reversible forms of contraception which does not interrupt sex. Microgynon can typically make your periods more regular, less painful and lighter. The birth control pill can also help reduce premenstrual symptoms.
It is important to note that taking Microgynon 30 does not prevent you or partner from contracting sexually transmitted diseases like hepatitis B, HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis or chlamydia. It is important that both you and partner continue to practice having safe sex and using condoms to prevent the spread of STDs.
A pack of Microgynon 30 birth control pills will come with 21 active pills containing 150mcg of levonorgestrel and 30mcg of ethinylestradiol. It should be taken in a 28-day cycle where you take the pill daily for 21 consecutive days, followed by a 7-day interval when you do not take any birth control medication.
You should take your pill everyday at the same time with a glass of water. You should not chew the pill.
If you are new to Microgynon 30, your doctor will recommend that you take your first birth control pill on the first day of your menstrual cycle. During the first 7 days of taking Microgynon 30, you will need to use an additional form of contraception like condoms if you have sex.
You should take the birth control pill every day for 21 consecutive days until the pack is finished. Once the pack is completed, you will not take any pills for the following 7 days. You should experience a withdrawal bleed that is similar to a period during this pill-free week. You don't have to use additional forms of contraception during this pill-free week as long as you have been taking your pills correctly and will start the next pack of birth control pills on time.
Once the 7 days are up, you can begin a new pack of Microgynon 30. You should always start this new pack of Microgynon 30 on time, even if you are still having your period.
During the first few months of taking Microgynon 30, you might experience some spotting (also known as breakthrough bleeding). This is usually temporary and will stop once your body has gotten used to Microgynon 30. However if the spotting persists or becomes heavy, it is important that you contact your doctor.
You might experience some spotting (otherwise known as breakthrough bleeding) during the weeks when you take the medication. This bleeding is usually temporary and you should continue taking the medication. However, if the spotting persists for more than 7 days, it is important that you contact your doctor.
Taking Microgynon 30 is one of the most effective ways of preventing unwanted pregnancies from happening, but only if you take the medication as instructed by your doctor and take your pill consistently everyday at the same time. The efficacy of Microgynon 30 will be reduced if you miss a dose.
So what should you do if you accidentally miss a dose?
If you miss taking your birth control pill at your usual time, you should take your miss pill immediately once you remember. Your contraceptive protection will not be compromised if you take it as soon as you remember and you should continue taking the rest of your pills as normal.
If you miss your dose and more than 12 hours have passed during the first 2 weeks of the cycle, you should take the pill as soon as you remember. This might mean taking 2 pills at the same time. You should continue taking your birth control pills as usual after that. As your contraceptive protection is now compromised, you will need to use an additional form of contraception like condoms for the following 7 days.
If you miss a dose and more than 12 hours have passed during the third week of the cycle, you should take your pill as soon as you remember. This might mean taking 2 pills at the same time. You should continue taking your birth control pills as usual after that. You should start the next pack of Microgynon 30 as soon as the current pack is finished and forgo the pill-free week. You will not have your menstrual cycle until after you complete the second pack of birth control pills, however you might bleed on the days you take your pills. If you missed a dose and do not experience your period on your pill-free day, there's a possibility that you might be pregnant.
If you do miss a dose of Microgynon 30, it is highly recommended that you use an additional non-hormonal form of contraception like condoms until you finish the pack. If you have unprotected sex after missing a dose, you might be pregnant and might need an emergency contraception. You should contact your doctor as soon as possible if you think you are pregnant.
While taking Microgynon 30 everyday, you might experience these common side effects:
You might experience chloasma while on Microgynon 30, where yellow brown patches begin to appear on the skin. This might occur even if you've taken the birth control pill for several months. You can reduce chloasma from occurring by limiting your exposure to the sun or to ultraviolet light while taking this medication. You should wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when outdoors.
While very rare, there is a possibility that Microgynon 30 can injure your liver. While a liver injury might be able to recover by itself, there is a possibility the medication can cause serious liver damage. You should stop taking Microgynon 30 and contact your immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
It is also important that you stop taking Microgynon 30 and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following allergic reactions:
If you're considering Microgynon 30 to be your primary form of birth control or require any further guidance on the various birth control methods available, you can consult one of our doctors. Here at Zoey, doctors on our platform are best equipped with the knowledge to determine which form of birth control is the most suitable and safest for you and whether Microgynon 30 is right for you.
Articles featured on Zoey are for informational purposes only and should not be constituted as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. If you're looking for a healthcare provider, click here.
