Mini pill that’s safe if you’re breastfeeding
Desogestrel contains a dose of progestogen that’s effective and sufficient for preventing pregnancy. It’s suitable if you’re breastfeeding or sensitive to oestrogen.
Answer some questions about your health and get expert recommendations from our clinicians. Order Desogestrel online and get it delivered from our registered pharmacy.
Desogestrel is a progestogen-only pill (or POP), also known as a mini-pill, to prevent pregnancy. It contains a small amount of a synthetic version of the female sex hormone progesterone called desogestrel. It may be considered a pure progestogen pill. It differs from combined contraceptive pills in that it doesn’t contain any other hormone, like oestrogen, to prevent pregnancy.
The great thing about Desogestrel is that it’s a good option for women who are breastfeeding or sensitive to oestrogen, as it’s considered safe to use for them.
Some progestogen-only pills work to prevent sperm cells from entering the uterus. They don’t always prevent an egg from fertilising or maturing, which is how combined birth control is known to work. However, a pill like Desogestrel has a dose of progesterone that is sufficient enough to prevent the egg from maturing, making it an effective form of contraception. It also thickens the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach an egg.
When used correctly and consistently, Desogestrel is highly effective in preventing pregnancy. It has a 99% efficacy rate if used correctly, like most combined pills.
Another indication of the effectiveness of Desogestrel is by looking at its Pearl Index (PI), a metric used to look at the efficacy of birth control. Desogestrel’s Pearl Index has varied across different studies and trials, but it’s comparable to that of combined oral contraceptives. In a comparative trial, the PI for Desogestrel was 0.04 and for levonorgestrel, it was 1.6, which is a considerable difference and shows that Desogestrel is a reliable and safe choice for progesterone-only birth control.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
To make sure you get the best contraceptive coverage you should always follow the instructions provided with your medication.
If you are less than 12 hours late, then take the missed tablet as soon as you remember.
Take your next tablet at the scheduled time. Desogestrel should still protect you from pregnancy during this window.
Taking Desogestrel late (more than 12 hours) may decrease its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. Make sure to take it as soon as possible, as well as your next scheduled one. This might mean you take two tablets in one day, but this should be fine. You should also use an extra method of contraception, like a condom, for the next seven days. If it’s been more than 12 hours and you’ve had sex, you may need to consider using emergency contraception and should speak to a clinician for more advice.
If you missed one or more tablets in the first week and had sex before taking the tablets, there is a high risk of pregnancy, and you should take a pregnancy test and consult your clinician.
Desogestrel can protect you from getting pregnant right away if you start taking it on the first day of your period.
If you’re switching over from a different contraceptive pill, you can start taking Desogestrel the day after you finish your current pack or when you’ve removed your vaginal ring or patch. There shouldn’t be a break between your current method and starting Desogestrel.
If you’ve been on a contraceptive that has a break in between, you should start Desogestrel the day after the break. If your current pill pack contains inactive (placebo) tablets, start Desogestrel the day after taking the last active tablet. You should also use an additional barrier method of contraception, like a condom, for the first seven days of taking Desogestrel.
If you’re switching from another progestogen-only pill, you can start Desogestrel on any day without the need for additional protection.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Package leaflet: Information for the user: Desogestrel, [online]
Contraception. [Updated 2018 Jan 17]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-.
Contraceptive efficacy of a monophasic oral contraceptive containing desogestrel. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1993 Mar;168(3 Pt 2):1017-20. doi: 10.1016/0002-9378(93)90331-c. PMID: 8447354.
A double-blind study comparing the contraceptive efficacy, acceptability and safety of two progestogen-only pills containing desogestrel 75 μg/day or levonorgestrel 30 μg/day: Collaborative Study Group on the Desogestrel-containing Progestogen-only Pill. The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care, 3(4), pp.169–178.
Dr Daniel Atkinson, Blog: Will I lose or gain weight on the contraceptive pill?
Hormonal contraception and mood disorders. Australian Prescriber, 45(3), 75-79.
Really pleased with the service provided
Listened to my concerns and issues. Had a prescription within a few hours and have noticed a huge difference already.
Great and punctual
Works great, pretty affordable and they always arrive when they say they will. I didn’t have any side effects or issues also my period disappeared which apparently happens sometimes I didn’t know. Overall fine!
Great service
Great service
Very quick fast service
Very quick fast service
Excellent
Quick and easy process to apply. Delivery was fast as well and the option for auto-renew makes it easy for me to get refills when needed. Highly recommend
Was a very easy process
Was a very easy process
Nostrogen
I have found this mini pill useful for stopping heavy periods. It has not affected my headaches although has caused abit more acne but nothing too bad
Perfect thank than u
Perfect thank than u
Brilliant service
Absolutely brilliant service got my pills very fast
Registered with GMC (No. 4624794)
Meet DanielRegistered with GPhC (No. 2202465)
Meet SanjedaRegistered with GPhC (No. 2070724)
Meet CraigDelivery, consultation, treatment. It’s all included in the price.
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84 Tablets | £25.95 |
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Mini pills: Here are some other options.
Probably the most well-known brand of mini pill. 12 hour leeway if you're late taking it.
Very similar to Cerazette and Zelleta. 28 day pill. 12 hour leeway if you take it late.
Desogestrel-based mini pill, very similar to Zelleta, Cerelle and Cerazette.
Similar to Cerazette, Zelleta and Cerelle, but you don't need a prescription for it.
Desogestrel pill that works just like Cerazette and Cerelle, but doesn't need a prescription.
Slightly different type of mini pill that contains levonorgestrel, and comes in strips of 35.
Norethisterone-based alternative. 3 hour window if you're late taking it.
Same hormone and same dose as Cerazette and Cerelle. 12 hour window if you're late taking it.
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