Desogestrel

Buy Desogestrel Online in the UK

Written by Clinical Pharmacist Tyson Wilkman

You can buy Desogestrel from our online doctor’s service. We are registered in the UK so you can be sure you are receiving safe and professional care from our doctors and pharmacy. Fill in the assessment to see if our doctor can issue you a free prescription for your Desogestrel pill and if approved we can send the medicine directly to your door.

What is Desogestrel?

Desogestrel is a contraceptive pill, or birth control pill which is used to prevent pregnancy. The active ingredient is 75 micrograms of Desogestrel which is a progesterone based hormonal contraceptive. Progesterone only pills differ from combined pills as they do not contain oestrogen.

How does Desogestrel work?

It works by keeping progesterone levels in the body at a higher steady level. This results in the thickening of the natural mucus in the cervix, preventing sperm from moving towards an egg. This alone is enough to prevent pregnancy, yet unlike most progesterone pills, this pill also prevents ovulation in most cases.

Is it effective?

When taken correctly progesterone-only pills have a 99% success rate in preventing pregnancy. This means fewer than 1 person in 100 who uses these progesterone-only pills will get pregnant in one year of use. We also have a collection of Desogestrel patient reviews for you to make an informed choice before deciding whether to begin treatment.

How to use the Desogestrel pill

Take one pill around the same time every day. You must take the pill within 12 hours of your usual time each day in order to remain protected from pregnancy. If you forget a pill and are less than 12 hours late, take the pill as soon as you remember and take the next tablet at your usual time. You will still be protected if you do this. 

If you are more than 12 hours late taking the pill you may not be protected. Take a pill as soon as you remember and then continue taking your pill at your regular time for the next dose. Continue to take your pill as usual and use additional protection methods such as barrier contraception for 7 days until you are protected by Desogestrel again.

Depending on where you start in your menstrual cycle you may be protected from pregnancy right away, however, if you are unsure of where you are in the cycle you should use additional protective methods for 7 days until you are protected from pregnancy by the pill. For more information consult your GP or patient information leaflet.

If you are unsure of what you should do seek medical advice.

Desogestrel Summary

What Alternatives are there?

There are many different types of contraceptive pills and methods available although not all methods are suitable for some people. You should consult your doctor about which contraceptive method would be right for you based on your current medicines and medical history. 

Some alternative methods of contraception are: 

• The Combined Pill - oestrogen and progesterone, strengths may differ
• Other Progesterone Only pills - Strengths may differ
• Vaginal rings
• Depo injections
• Barrier contraceptives
• Contraceptive implants
• Intrauterine devices (IUD)
• Emergency contraception (not for regular use)

What are the side effects of the Contraceptive Pill?

While side effects are usually uncommon and mild in nature, it is best to be aware of any that may occur. Some of the most common side effects include mood swings, headaches, nausea, and breast tenderness.  

For a full list of side effects and more information, you can read the NHS Choices site on contraception. Alternatively, see the patient information leaflet for your pill.

What are the advantages of the Combined Oral Contraceptive?

The combined oral contraceptive can help to make periods lighter, less painful and more regular. When taken correctly the combined pill is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. It can also help reduce the risk of womb and ovarian cancer.

What are the disadvantages of the Combined Oral Contraceptive?

The combined oral contraceptive can cause side effects including breast pain, spotting, and nausea. Other side effects such as headaches and mood swings are also common.

What are the advantages of the Progesterone only contraceptive?

One advantage of the progestogen-only pill is that it has a lower likelihood of side effects because it does not contain oestrogen. It can also be used by women who are unable to take oestrogen. Women who are breastfeeding can take the progestogen-only pill at the same time.

What are the disadvantages of the Progesterone only contraceptive?

The mini pill has to be taken at the same time every day. If you are more than 3 hours late (or 12 hours for the desogestrel pill), it may not be effective. It may cause periods to be irregular, they may stop altogether or get more frequent.

Which pill is right for me?

Prescribers will take a thorough medical history before choosing the right contraceptive pill for you. For most people, the combined contraceptive pill works best. For those who are over 35, smoke, suffer from migraine or have other risk factors, the progesterone-only pill may be more suitable. Talk to your doctor to discuss the best course of action for contraception.

Am I protected against pregnancy straight away?

Some pills, if taken correctly, will provide protection immediately, while others take time to provide contraceptive cover. Refer to the patient information leaflet of your pill to find out when you are protected on your pill.

Do I still need to use a condom?

Although you will be covered against pregnancy with the pill, it is always advised to use a condom. This is to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted disease such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. No contraceptive pill will protect against sexually transmitted infections.

I forgot to take my pill – what should I do?

You should always take your pill around the same time each day to ensure maximum contraceptive cover. Different pills vary in the amount of time you can delay your dose. Always refer to your prescribed medication’s patient information leaflet to find more detailed information relating to missed doses.

Where can I get the contraceptive pill in the UK?

In the UK, you should speak to a GP or visit a sexual health clinic if you would like to get the contraceptive pill prescribed. This is free via the NHS.

You can order the contraceptive pill online from Simple Online Pharmacy if you have already been prescribed it by your doctor. You must complete a medical assessment form for our doctors to review. They can use this to make sure it is safe and suitable for you to take. We offer delivery (including next working day options) via the Royal Mail. 

Content Reviewed: 14/01/2021

Desogestrel side effects

Most medicines have some side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Some more common side effects that you may get from this treatment could be:

• Altered mood
• Libido changes
• Acne
• Changes in weight
• Difficulties wearing contact lenses
• Changes in vaginal bleeding
• Headache

Before you take any contraceptive pill you should read the patient information leaflet.

• Desogestrel PIL

Do not take Desogestrel tablets if you:

• Have any allergic reactions to any of the listed ingredients
• Have had a blood clot, or are you at increased risk of a blood clot
• Have liver disease
• Have had or suspect you have breast cancer

Consult your doctor before taking Destrogestrel if you have high blood pressure, epilepsy or diabetes as some treatments may cause Desogestrel to become less effective in preventing pregnancy.