Desogestrel

Desogestrel is a mini pill (progestogen-only) which is often an alternative to the combined pill.  

How to take Desogestrel

You should take Desogestrel at the same time each day. This can be at any time perhaps as soon as you wake up or after dinner. Choose a time you’ll remember every day. You have one each day and take the packs of 28 back-to-back, without a break. 

How does Desogestrel work?

Desogestrel is the name of the active ingredient in this mini pill. Desogestrel works by thickening the mucus in the cervix to stop sperm reaching an egg to fertilise it. It can also stop ovulation – other mini pills that don’t contain the active ingredient desogestrel don’t do this.

If you start taking Desogestrel during the first 5 days of your period, it’ll work straight away. If your menstrual cycle is short or you start the pill on any other day of your cycle, you won’t be protected from pregnancy. You’ll need to use condoms for the first 2 days of taking the pill.   

Desogestrel effectiveness

When taken correctly Desogestrel is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Out of 100 women, one will get pregnant in a year when taking this pill. With ‘typical use’ it’s thought that around nine in 100 women will get pregnant.

It can also help to lessen the symptoms of heavy periods. When taking Desogestrel your periods may stop completely.

Who can take Desogestrel?

The mini pill is suitable for lots of women and is often appropriate for more women than the combined pill. For example, unlike the combined pill, it’s usually suitable for smokers over 35 or experience migraines with aura.

You shouldn’t take Desogestrel if: 

• You have or have had heart disease, a stroke, liver disease or breast cancer 
• You’re taking certain medications (e.g., some treatments for epilepsy and HIV) 
• There’s a chance you might already be pregnant 

Desogestrel side effects

Like with all medications, there’s a chance you might experience some side effects with Desogestrel, but these tend to be mild. 

At first you might find you experience:

• Acne
• Sore breasts
• Headaches
• Changes to your periods
• Irregular bleeding 

These side effects usually stop in a couple of months. Find out more about Desogestrel and acne in our guide. When coming off Desogestrel you may also experience side effects as your body goes back to the way it was before. It can take your body a while to get used to not being on the pill.  

Will Desogestrel stop my periods?

Taking the Desogestrel pill stop periods for many women. This is because it stops you ovulating (releasing an egg) in 97 out of 100 menstrual cycles. However, not everyone finds that their periods stop when they take Desogestrel.  Some women experience irregular bleeding. Periods may become more or less frequent. This tends to settle down with time.