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
We are an online pharmacy service that offers access to free NHS contraception. It’s easy to request, manage, and receive your contraception at a time that suits you without the hassle of visiting your GP.
Yes. Under the NHS pharmacy contraception Service, your consultation and the treatment provided are completely free; there are no hidden charges or fees for the medication.
The service is available to all those that meet the NHS criteria for the contraception service in England. As part of the online consultation we will ask a few medical questions to assess your eligibility for this service and to make sure the treatment is suitable and safe for you.
We currently supply oral contraceptive pills, including initiation and ongoing treatment; we can also offer emergency oral contraception if appropriate.
No, our qualified prescribing team will assess your suitability and discuss what contraception offers are available after you fill in the short medical questionnaire and issue treatment accordingly.
You’ll complete a short, simple online questionnaire, covering information about your health, lifestyle and medical information. This aids our prescribers in making sure the contraception option selected is suitable for you. This should only take a few minutes to complete.
Written by Imran Lakhi
Independant Prescribing Pharmacist GPHC 2060586
reviewd by date: last week
Reveiwed by Muhammedammar Patel – Pharmacist – GPHC 2210444
Mohsin Patel (GPhC 2052408)
reviewd by date: last week