Mirvala, is what is known as a combined oral contraceptive, because it combines two hormones estrogen and progesterone.

There are a variety of different COCs, with the different being the specific types of progesterone used, and the dosage level.

For example, Mirvala contains 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol and a progesterone called desogestrel while Alesse contains 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol and a progesterone called levonorgestrel.

Birth control pills such as Mirvala help reduce the chances of pregnancy in two ways. Firstly they inhibit your monthly release of an egg(s) by your ovaries. Secondly, studies suggest that changes in the endometrium (lining of the womb) and mucus produced by the cervix (opening of the uterus) occur with the use of birth control pills.

The combined effect is to make it less likely that a sperm will penetrate an egg, or for an egg to implant on the wall of the uterus.

Mirvala is the generic equivalent of the brand name birth control Marvelon. There are no differences between the active ingredients of Mirvala and Marvelon.

When taking Mirvala, please monitor for a rare but serious side effect of blood clots: shortness of breath, chest pain (particularly with deep breathing), coughing up blood, persistent leg pain, or redness, swelling, or warmth in your lower legs (usually one-sided) can all be indications of a blood clot in the legs or lungs, and should never be ignored.

Please seek medical attention promptly if this occurs, in the emergency department.

Yes. All low dose combination pills can be used for the treatment of acne. Most often, your practitioner will recommend a standard, low dose combined birth control pill like Alysena/Alesse, Mirvala/Marvelon or Tricira Lo.

There are some newer formulation of combined pills with progestins that are possibly better for acne. In some studies, combined birth control pills containing drospirenone (like Yaz) performed better at reducing acne. However, this form of birth control has possibly been correlated with increased risk of blood clots.

You should not take Mirvala if you are pregnant. In addition, if you have experienced any of the following conditions: Blood clotting disorders, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, breast disease, circulation problems, migraine with aura, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Smokers over 35 should not take Mirvala.

There are many different options for birth control. You can learn more about deciding which option is right for you here.