Marvelon is a combined pill that contains a standard dose of oestrogen, and a progestogen called desogestrel which is in most mini pills. It may be a good option to try if pills like Microgynon and Rigevidon in Group 5 don't suit you.
What is in the Marvelon pill?
30mcg
Medium oestrogen
150mcg
Less-Androgenic progestogen
Alternative to Marvelon pill
This contraceptive sits in Group 6 and has the same hormonal ingredient as:
There is no clear evidence that taking Marvelon will affect your weight, but more research is needed to provide a definitive answer. Weight gain, or loss, whilst on Marvelon could be impacted by a number of factors that may be related to hormones and the menstrual cycle, such as water retention. Take a look at our user reviews to see how our community report Marvelon impacts their weight. You can also find out more in our complete guide to contraception and weight.
Is Marvelon good for acne?
More women see an improvement to their acne than not when taking the combined pill. Make sure to check out our user-generated reviews to see how our community report Marvelon affects their complexion. Find out more in our guide to the contraceptive pill and acne.
Is Marvelon the same as Gedarel and Yasmin?
Marvelon contains the same hormones as Gedarel 30/150, but not Yasmin. Yasmin contains the same amount and type of oestrogen (30 micrograms of ethinylestradiol) but a different type of progestogen to Marvelon called drospirenone. Learn more about how pill brands compare.
Is Marvelon good for PCOS?
Like other combined pills, Marvelon can help with symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) such as acne, abnormal hair growth and irregular or no periods. You can find out more in the benefits section above and see our blog about contraception and PCOS.
Can I buy Marvelon online?
You can order Marvelon online at The Lowdown from £7 per month (including delivery). Head to our Pill Prescriptions service to fill in a short questionnaire about you and your medical history. Your request will then be reviewed by our pharmacy. We'll post a 3 month supply of your chosen pill directly to your door in discreet packaging.
Detailed information
How the Marvelon pill works:
Marvelon is a combined pill that is taken daily to prevent pregnancy. It makes the fluid in your cervix thicker (which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb) whilst also stopping ovulation. The combined pill also prevents the lining of your womb from thickening enough for a fertilised egg to implant into it. Marvelon is around 93% effective with typical use, which means that 7 in 100 women fall pregnant whilst taking it each year. Find out more about how clinical effectiveness is determined.
There are a few things that can stop the combined pill from working properly including vomiting, some antibiotics, or missing a pill. Take a look at our complete guide to the combined pill to find out more. You can also use our Missed pill calculator to help you understand what to do if you miss a pill.
How to use the Marvelon pill:
You should take your Marvelon pill around the same time every day. We recommend keeping your pill packet somewhere you look at everyday (like your makeup bag) to remind you to take it, or set an alarm on your phone. Marvelon is designed to be taken for 21 days followed by a 7 day break during which you'll experience a withdrawal bleed (like a period). If you want to, you can choose to shorten this break or miss it out altogether (check out our blog on taking your pill back to back). Depending on where you are in your cycle when you start the pill, you might not be protected against pregnancy straight away. Check out our blog about the combined pill for more info.
Coming off Marvelon is easy - you just stop taking it. When you do, you’re no longer protected from pregnancy. If you want to stop the pill but do not wish to become pregnant then you should complete your current packet before stopping and consider switching to another form of contraception before you stop taking your pill. If you have unprotected sex and stop your pill before the packet is finished you may ovulate (release an egg from the ovary) and could become pregnant. You can use our Missed pill calculator if you have missed any pills from your packet. Read our complete guide to coming off the pill for more advice.
How safe is the Marvelon pill:
Marvelon is safe to take. There are however some small risks associated with taking the pill. With any combined type of hormonal contraception that contains oestrogen, there is a slightly increased risk of developing blood clots in your veins and arteries. The combined pill may also increase your blood pressure. Your doctor will check your individual risk before prescribing the pill. Use of the combined pill is also associated with small increased risks of breast cancer and cervical cancer. These reduce with time after stopping. It's also important to remember that the combined pills does not protect you from STIs.
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