Marvelon pill vs Rigevidon

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Marvelon pill

£From £0.20/day

Rigevidon

£From £0.19/day

Overview

Rated 3.2

79 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 2.5

554 reviews

Daily

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Marvelon pill ingredients

Main hormones in Marvelon pill

Less-Androgenic progestogen

Medium oestrogen


Rigevidon ingredients

Main hormones in Rigevidon

Androgenic progestogen

Medium oestrogen

What Lowdown reviewers say

37% somewhat negative

42% lighter periods

46% no impact

49% no impact

71% no impact on skin

Cycle return

31% in 1 month

41% very negative

48% lighter periods

45% lost sex drive

46% no impact

37% improved skin

Cycle return

43% don’t know impact

Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with

Acne or bad skin

Heavy periods

PMS and PMDD

PCOS symptoms

Period pain

Acne or bad skin

Heavy periods

PMS and PMDD

PCOS symptoms

Period pain

Try it now

£From £0.20/day

Try it now

£From £0.19/day

Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Marvelon pill reviews

79 reviews

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4th Aug 24

Marvelon pill  

I went on the pill for acne and painful periods. My acne hasn't really gotten any better, if anything I've slightly noticed more cystic acne coming up. I feel nauseous quite frequently, no vomiting though. One thing I noticed is my anxiety is definitely higher since going on the pill. I also feel quite moody and sometimes emotional.

Read more

Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  7th Jun 24

Marvelon pill  

I came on this pill after being on Lucette for many years but I didn't get on with anymore. I did a lot of research as I originally used Lucette to help my acne, which it did but eventually turned me into a crazy emotional monster. Marvelon was a welcome change! I felt so in control of my emotions and actually felt like a normal human! I had no real major side effects apart from one. Around month 2-3 of taking this pill, I developed a hive like rash on my neck/chest that eventually spread to my whole body. I was so self-conscious and taking anti-histamines like tic-tacs. I consulted my doctor and pharmacist but they didn't really care, just told me to keep taking anti-histamines, so I did. Around month 5 I randomly had a brain-wave and realised the timing on my hives was extremely suspicious considering at this point I'd been covered head to toe for about 2 months. Sure enough, I checked the leaflet and 'hive-like rash' was a rare symptom. I stopped taking this pill and within a month my hives had disappeared. Really weird - but that was my only issue. I'm really sad about it too because everything else about this pill was amazing for me.


Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  13th May 24

Marvelon pill  

Overall, i have had very limited side effects on this pill though i have noticed increased mood swings.


Somewhat negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  4th Aug 24

Marvelon pill  

I went on the pill for acne and painful periods. My acne hasn't really gotten any better, if anything I've slightly noticed more cystic acne coming up. I feel nauseous quite frequently, no vomiting though. One thing I noticed is my anxiety is definitely higher since going on the pill. I also feel quite moody and sometimes emotional.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  7th Jun 24

Marvelon pill  

I came on this pill after being on Lucette for many years but I didn't get on with anymore. I did a lot of research as I originally used Lucette to help my acne, which it did but eventually turned me into a crazy emotional monster. Marvelon was a welcome change! I felt so in control of my emotions and actually felt like a normal human! I had no real major side effects apart from one. Around month 2-3 of taking this pill, I developed a hive like rash on my neck/chest that eventually spread to my whole body. I was so self-conscious and taking anti-histamines like tic-tacs. I consulted my doctor and pharmacist but they didn't really care, just told me to keep taking anti-histamines, so I did. Around month 5 I randomly had a brain-wave and realised the timing on my hives was extremely suspicious considering at this point I'd been covered head to toe for about 2 months. Sure enough, I checked the leaflet and 'hive-like rash' was a rare symptom. I stopped taking this pill and within a month my hives had disappeared. Really weird - but that was my only issue. I'm really sad about it too because everything else about this pill was amazing for me.


Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 6 mo
21 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  13th May 24

Marvelon pill  

Overall, i have had very limited side effects on this pill though i have noticed increased mood swings.


Somewhat negative mood

0 helpful

0 comments


Rigevidon reviews

554 reviews

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

Rigevidon  

Was put onto Rigevidon after being on the mini pill and not agreeing with it due to constant breakthrough bleeding and UTIs/vaginal dryness. Rigevidon was great for nearly a year and really liked how regular my periods were and had no breakthrough bleeding as long as I did 21 days on, 7 days off rather than taking back to back packs. After a while my mood declined to the point I felt numb and libido declined. I switched to a lower Oestrogen but then after another round at the mini pill as well went back onto Rigevidon as it had been the best one for me and wanted to try it again but I do suffer from migraines but never with aura so I had been deemed safe to use the combined pill as long as I was aware of symptoms to watch out but suddenly developed aura with my migraines so came off Rigevidon and have been fine since.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Rigevidon  

I had quite a negative experience with the pill . I was prescribed it in 2020 after being diagnosed with PCOS , I was given this to lighten my flow which was very heavy and clear up my skin which had broken out in under the skin cystic acne at the time. Although my periods became more regular they still fluctuated quite a bit. My periods were also incredibly painful and even when I wasn't on my period I began to experience chronic abdominal, pelvic and back pain (I've recently been diagnosed with endometriosis). I also experience horrendous mood swings and had to go on an anti depressant to manage them. I would not try this pill again. I also had suicidal ideation and thoughts when I was on the pill.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  27th Jul 24

Rigevidon  

I’ve tried microgynon and ceracette to manage my heavy and painful periods before being put on rigevidon. Although, my period is generally lighter, there are major side effects that make me want to stop this pill. My mental health has been at its lowest - one minute I’m fine, the next I’m hysterically crying for no reason. I get irritable extremely quickly and I lash out with very little consideration of what I say and do. It’s damaging. I’m not sure whether this is related to the low mood or the pill itself but I’ve experienced a huge decrease in appetite. The thought of eating makes me nauseous. I also feel extremely fatigued and tired all the time but that can also be due to my anaemia and vitamin deficiencies. My breasts also feel tender and fuller. I am considering changing as it is beginning to affect my day to day and the relationships with people around me. I just do not feel like myself.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

1 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
25 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 day ago

Rigevidon  

Was put onto Rigevidon after being on the mini pill and not agreeing with it due to constant breakthrough bleeding and UTIs/vaginal dryness. Rigevidon was great for nearly a year and really liked how regular my periods were and had no breakthrough bleeding as long as I did 21 days on, 7 days off rather than taking back to back packs. After a while my mood declined to the point I felt numb and libido declined. I switched to a lower Oestrogen but then after another round at the mini pill as well went back onto Rigevidon as it had been the best one for me and wanted to try it again but I do suffer from migraines but never with aura so I had been deemed safe to use the combined pill as long as I was aware of symptoms to watch out but suddenly developed aura with my migraines so came off Rigevidon and have been fine since.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  1 month ago

Rigevidon  

I had quite a negative experience with the pill . I was prescribed it in 2020 after being diagnosed with PCOS , I was given this to lighten my flow which was very heavy and clear up my skin which had broken out in under the skin cystic acne at the time. Although my periods became more regular they still fluctuated quite a bit. My periods were also incredibly painful and even when I wasn't on my period I began to experience chronic abdominal, pelvic and back pain (I've recently been diagnosed with endometriosis). I also experience horrendous mood swings and had to go on an anti depressant to manage them. I would not try this pill again. I also had suicidal ideation and thoughts when I was on the pill.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  27th Jul 24

Rigevidon  

I’ve tried microgynon and ceracette to manage my heavy and painful periods before being put on rigevidon. Although, my period is generally lighter, there are major side effects that make me want to stop this pill. My mental health has been at its lowest - one minute I’m fine, the next I’m hysterically crying for no reason. I get irritable extremely quickly and I lash out with very little consideration of what I say and do. It’s damaging. I’m not sure whether this is related to the low mood or the pill itself but I’ve experienced a huge decrease in appetite. The thought of eating makes me nauseous. I also feel extremely fatigued and tired all the time but that can also be due to my anaemia and vitamin deficiencies. My breasts also feel tender and fuller. I am considering changing as it is beginning to affect my day to day and the relationships with people around me. I just do not feel like myself.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

1 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
19 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  10th Jul 24

Rigevidon  

I used this pill continuously but my body rejected it. I had 2 breakthrough spotting bleeds every 6 months but after 1 and a ½ years I had a full blown period while on the pill. So I had to come off it. Had no issues on it other than that because I have endometriosis, the pain built up and during self pleasure I'd get debilitating cramps. This stopped after coming off the pill. However no one talks about how hard it is to come off the pill. Your hormones are bring shifted and changed and the emotional toll is so harsh. I've had the worst anxiety and paranoia and it's really hard.


Worse skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3rd Jul 24

Rigevidon  

I was weary to go on Rigevidon after switching from a mini pill which caused non stop bleeding and decreased sex drive however, I was positively surprised. For me I found the side effects minimal if not positive: clearer skin and slightly bigger boobs. I take it without a break which means I only bleed every few months and find it a convenient method of contraception.


Improved skin

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  2nd Jul 24

Rigevidon  

I was put on Rigevidon to help my pms and OCD symptoms which worsened the week before and during my period. I was on this pill for a month only and had to stop because of the side effects; the first day I took it i vomited in the middle of the night and every time I took this pill i would feel some sort of nausea. It made my mood much worse, I was uncontrollably sobbing almost every day and would frequently get very annoyed and shout at my family. It also worsened my OCD a lot which was triggered by my mood. I felt a lot better coming off of it.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
24 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  30th Jun 24

Rigevidon  

I took it for 3 months. It gave me a lot brain fog initially which either cleared or I just got used to it. I also had very sore breasts and period like cramps for the first few weeks. I had quite a bit of breakthrough bleeding, and couldn’t take it pack to pack. I don’t think it affected my mood too much. The main thing that made me stop was I was getting recurrent UTIs. They only started when i began this pill and have stopped since I started taking a different pill (fingers crossed).


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  17th Jun 24

Rigevidon  

This pill helped me so much mentally , it helped me regulate my mood better and focus on tasks so mentally it was great, physically however not so much. On this pill I was much hairier, oilier, sweatier and spottier than I naturally am and when I stopped taking it all of the above cleared up.It did however give me regular and much lighter manageable periods.


Very positive mood

2 more effects

1 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 8+ yr
35 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  12th Jun 24

Rigevidon  

I was moved onto Rigevidon from Yasmin about 14 years ago as my GP said the risk of blood clots was lower (now evidence looks like they are both pretty high risk). I started the pill as a teenager for PCOS symptoms (rarely having periods, excess body hair and acne). I have been very happy on this pill - my mood has been stable and good, my libido is very good, my skin is free of spots although it is oily and my periods are very predictable and light. I do still have a lot of body hair but I think this may just be normal for my genetics unfortunately, and not related to contraception.


Somewhat positive mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
22 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  3rd Jun 24

Rigevidon  

Made me really irritable which I hated! I came off it as soon as I realised. Also made my boobs a bit sore.


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Contraceptive alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Marvelon pill with other contraceptives

Compare the Rigevidon with other contraceptives

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