Desogestrel Contraception
Desogestrel – Progesterone-Only Contraception
Desogestrel is a progesterone-only pill commonly referred to as a “mini pill”. It is commonly used to help prevent pregnancy and is a viable option for many women who are not suitable to take the combined hormonal contraceptive pill. Desogestrel 75 micrograms is widely available in the UK and is commonly prescribed from pharmacies following a consultation with a pharmacist.
Here at Drpillmans, our online pharmacy offers free and convenient access to contraception with clinical oversight and discreet delivery.
What Is Desogestrel?
Desogestrel is a progesterone-only hormonal contraceptive containing a synthetic form of the progesterone called ‘progestogen’. Desogestrel mainly works by preventing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus and making it harder for sperm to reach the womb.
- Are breastfeeding
- Desogestrel may be more suitable for women who are breastfeeding, who smoke, or who are over 35 years old.
- Cannot tolerate combined oral contraceptive pills
- Have other risk factors that make taking oestrogen containing contraceptive pills unsuitable
Desogestrel does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs); therefore, other forms of contraception, such as condoms, may still be recommended and advised.
What Is Desogestrel Used For?
Desogestrel is used for contraception and the prevention of pregnancy, and it is one of the most effective progesterone only pills when taken correctly.
Many women choose Desogestrel as it can also help with:
- Heavy and painful periods
- Period management
- Suitable for use whilst breastfeeding
- People who have hormonal sensitivity to contraceptives containing oestrogen
Some women may experience irregular bleeding patterns, including lighter periods or no periods altogether (amenorrhoea)
Serious Side Effects And Warnings
Having serious side effects is uncommon; seek medical advice urgently if you experience any of the following:
- Unexplained chest pain or sudden breathlessness
- Unusual cough, especially if you are coughing up blood
- Severe pain or swelling in one leg
- Sudden severe stomach pain
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Lumps in the breast
- Mood changes that are severe or worrying
How To Take Desogestrel
Desogestrel should be taken as prescribed by your clinician or pharmacist (amenorrhoea)
- Take one tablet every day at the same time.
- Swallow with water
- There are no breaks between packs; start the next strip immediately after finishing the first pack.
Desogestrel has a 12-hour missed pill window. This rule means if you are less than 12 hours late taking your tablet, contraceptive protection is usually still maintained.
Starting Desogestrel
You can usually start taking the Desogestrel tablet at any point in your menstrual cycle if you are not currently pregnant. If you start taking it within the first 5 days of your period, you should be protected from pregnancy immediately. If you take it at any other time during your menstrual cycle, you will need to use additional contraception, such as condoms, for the first 2 to 7 days, depending on your circumstances and previous contraception.
Missed Pill Advice
Less Than 12 Hours Late
- Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, and continue taking your next pill at the usual time; you should still be protected from pregnancy.
More Than 12 Hours Late
- Please take the missed tablet as soon as you remember, Continue with the rest of the pack as normal. Use additional contraception or condoms for the next 7 days.
If unprotected sex occurs after missing pills, emergency contraception may still be required.
Common Side Effects Of Desogestrel:
Like with all medication, common side effects of Desogestrel can occur, but the medication is generally well tolerated. Common side effects include the following occurrences: Common side effects include the following:
- Changes in your bleeding patterns may include irregularity, lighter flow, increased frequency, or a complete stop.
- Headaches
- Breast tenderness
- Acne
- Reduced sex drive
- Nausea
- Weight changes
Desogestrel and Breastfeeding
Desogestrel does not contain oestrogen and is routinely recommended during breastfeeding. Small amounts may pass through breastmilk, but studies show no harmful effects on infant growth or development.
Benefits Of Desogestrel
Many women choose Desogestrel due to the following:
- Suitable whilst breastfeeding
- Highly effective contraceptive if taken correctly
- Suitable for women who cannot take oestrogen
- Once daily dosing
- Reduce heavy or painful periods
- No pill-free break is required
Order Desogestrel Online From DrPillmans
At Drpillmans, we provide a convenient and safe online consultation for contraception. Our UK-based clinicians review every consultation to ensure the treatment is suitable before approval.
We offer:
- Confidential, safe online assessment
- UK-registered pharmacy
- Free, fast & discreet delivery
- Free reminder service so you never forget to order
- Ongoing contraception support
Trusted clinical
Medicines That Can Affect Desogestrel
Some medication, including herbal remedies, can reduce the effectiveness of Desogestrel.
- Medications used to treat epilepsy
- Some antibiotics and certain medications used to treat tuberculosis
- HIV Medication
- St John’s Wort
- Some GLP1s such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Always inform your clinician or pharmacist if you are taking any medicines or supplements before starting Desogestrel.
Frequently, Asked Questions
Desogestrel is a progesterone-only contraceptive pill. Each tablet contains 75 micrograms of Desogestrel.
Yes. Desogestrel only contains progestogen and does not contain oestrogen. This method is suitable for people who cannot use or tolerate contraception that contains oestrogen.
Desogestrel works by stopping ovulation to prevent an egg from being released; it also increases the thickness of cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
Desogestrel is taken as an oral tablet, one to be taken daily at the same time. There are 28 tablets in a packet. Usually, you continue onto the next packet as soon as you finish one packet with no tablet-free break.
Yes, progestogen-only pills should be taken at the same time every day to work properly. For Desogestrel, you are still protected as long as you take your pill within 12 hours of your usual time.
If you forget to take your Desogestrel pill at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember. Desogestrel pills have a 12-hour window. This means as long as you take it within 12 hours of your usual time, you are still protected. If the time has been longer than this period, you may require additional contraception. Follow the information on the patient information leaflet or feel free to speak to one of the team members.
Progestogen-only pills are over 99% effective if taken correctly; if pills are missed or taken late, effectiveness can be reduced. You may require additional contraception, such as the morning-after pill or a copper IUD.
The timing of when you start taking your Desogestrel tablets affects how quickly you gain contraceptive protection. Taking Desogestrel on days 1 to 5 of your menstrual cycle provides immediate protection against pregnancy. If you are more than five days into your period cycle, you must use additional contraception, such as condoms, for a minimum of two days.
Desogestrel is a progesterone-only oral contraceptive that can be used for people who can’t tolerate or don’t want oestrogen. Suitability will still depend on each individual’s medical history, current medications, and risk factors.
Yes, Desogestrel, like other progesterone-only pills, can be used during breastfeeding. Depending on your circumstances, you should get advice from a clinician, midwife, or GP.
No. Desogestrel is an effective form of contraception but does not protect individuals from sexually transmitted infections. Condoms can help reduce the risk of STIs.
Yes. Changes in your bleeding patterns may include irregularity, lighter flow, increased frequency, or a complete stop.
Common side effects include the following: Changes in your bleeding patterns may include irregularity, lighter flow, increased frequency, or a complete stop. Headaches, breast tenderness, acne, Reduced sex drive, nausea & weight changes
Yes. Mood changes, such as a low mood or other symptoms of depression, are a common side effect. If you notice a change in your mood after starting Desogestrel, consult a healthcare professional.
Yes. Some medicines and herbal remedies can affect how Desogestrel works. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you take medicines for tuberculosis, epilepsy, or HIV or if you take griseofulvin, lamotrigine, or St John’s wort.
No. Desogestrel is not indicated for use during pregnancy. If you become pregnant during treatment with Desogestrel, all further intake should be immediately stopped. You should contact your GP or midwife.
Yes. Desogestrel is a reversible contraceptive. The timing for when ovulation can reoccur can vary in each individual.
Dr Pillmans provides an online consultation service for eligible patients seeking contraception. Your answers are reviewed for suitability before supply. If approved, your medication is packed discreetly in unbranded packaging and delivered straight to your door.
Desogestrel is a progesterone-only contraceptive pill. Each tablet contains 75 micrograms of Desogestrel.
Yes. Desogestrel only contains progestogen and does not contain oestrogen. This method is suitable for people who cannot use or tolerate contraception that contains oestrogen.
Desogestrel works by stopping ovulation to prevent an egg from being released; it also increases the thickness of cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
Desogestrel is taken as an oral tablet, one to be taken daily at the same time. There are 28 tablets in a packet. Usually, you continue onto the next packet as soon as you finish one packet with no tablet-free break.
Yes, progestogen-only pills should be taken at the same time every day to work properly. For Desogestrel, you are still protected as long as you take your pill within 12 hours of your usual time.
If you forget to take your Desogestrel pill at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember. Desogestrel pills have a 12-hour window. This means as long as you take it within 12 hours of your usual time, you are still protected. If the time has been longer than this period, you may require additional contraception. Follow the information on the patient information leaflet or feel free to speak to one of the team members.
Progestogen-only pills are over 99% effective if taken correctly; if pills are missed or taken late, effectiveness can be reduced. You may require additional contraception, such as the morning-after pill or a copper IUD.
The timing of when you start taking your Desogestrel tablets affects how quickly you gain contraceptive protection. Taking Desogestrel on days 1 to 5 of your menstrual cycle provides immediate protection against pregnancy. If you are more than five days into your period cycle, you must use additional contraception, such as condoms, for a minimum of two days.
Desogestrel is a progesterone-only oral contraceptive that can be used for people who can’t tolerate or don’t want oestrogen. Suitability will still depend on each individual’s medical history, current medications, and risk factors.
Yes, Desogestrel, like other progesterone-only pills, can be used during breastfeeding. Depending on your circumstances, you should get advice from a clinician, midwife, or GP.
No. Desogestrel is an effective form of contraception but does not protect individuals from sexually transmitted infections. Condoms can help reduce the risk of STIs.
Yes. Changes in your bleeding patterns may include irregularity, lighter flow, increased frequency, or a complete stop.
Common side effects include the following: Changes in your bleeding patterns may include irregularity, lighter flow, increased frequency, or a complete stop. Headaches, breast tenderness, acne, Reduced sex drive, nausea & weight changes
Yes. Mood changes, such as a low mood or other symptoms of depression, are a common side effect. If you notice a change in your mood after starting Desogestrel, consult a healthcare professional.
Yes. Some medicines and herbal remedies can affect how Desogestrel works. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you take medicines for tuberculosis, epilepsy, or HIV or if you take griseofulvin, lamotrigine, or St John’s wort.
No. Desogestrel is not indicated for use during pregnancy. If you become pregnant during treatment with Desogestrel, all further intake should be immediately stopped. You should contact your GP or midwife.Can fertility return after stopping Desogestrel?
Yes. Desogestrel is a reversible contraceptive. The timing for when ovulation can reoccur can vary in each individual.
Dr Pillmans provides an online consultation service for eligible patients seeking contraception. Your answers are reviewed for suitability before supply. If approved, your medication is packed discreetly in unbranded packaging and delivered straight to your door.
Written by Imran Lakhi
Independent Prescribing Pharmacist GPHC 2060586
Reviewed by date: 21/05/2026
Reviewed by Muhammedammar Patel
Pharmacist GPHC 2210444
Reviewed by date: 21/05/2026