Desogestrel is a mini-pill, popularly referred to as a progestogen-only pill that helps to effectively prevent pregnancy. It is a synthetic type of progesterone often used in various contraceptive pills. Progesterone-only birth control pills namely Cerelle, Feanolla, Cerazette and Zelleta are non-branded versions of desogestrel tablets.

Desogestrel mimics the naturally occurring progesterone in the female body. Natural progesterone regulates the menstrual cycles and prepares the body for pregnancy, however, when used as contraception, it prevents pregnancy. If it’s used alongside an oestrogen, it becomes a combined pill. But on its own, it is a progesterone-only pill, suitable for women whose bodies cannot cope with oestrogen or those who are breastfeeding.

There are various benefits associated with using Desogestrel which includes:

• It has a high efficacy
• It contains less progestogen as compared to the combined oral contraceptives and lacks estrogen completely
• It works independently of the act and timing of sexual intercourse
• It does not suppress breast milk production and thus can be used during breastfeeding
• It can be taken by people within any age group and even those who face contraindications when using estrogen

The pill will start functioning in your body to protect you against unwanted pregnancy immediately if you take it on any one of the days of your menstruation.

When taken according to the dosage and as per the instructions, Desogestrel can be 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. In cases where vomiting or severe diarrhoea occurs, the pill loses its effectiveness. You can continue taking the pill during this time but make sure to use a condom as well.

Desogestrel 75mcg pills contain the active ingredient Desogestrel, which is a synthetic progestogen. It works primarily by preventing the release of an egg from the ovary for ovulation. It also increases the thickness of the mucus present at the neck of your womb which makes it difficult for the sperm to cross the vagina and enter the womb. This reduces the likelihood of successful fertilisation of any of the released eggs.

Desogestrel also alters the quality of the womb lining thereby preventing pregnancy by avoiding the implantation of any fertilised eggs onto the womb.

Follow the instructions mentioned below to take Desogestrel to prevent pregnancy:

• Take one Desogestrel pill daily. There will be no break even when you are menstruating.
• Ideally, you should start taking this pill on day one of your menstrual cycle
• You will have to swallow the pill whole with water or either with or without food.
• You need to take the pills at the same time every day for them to function effectively in preventing pregnancy. If you missed a dose for more than 12 hours the effects will cease and you will not be protected against pregnancy. In that case, use an extra barrier method of contraception for the next two days and continue with your usual schedule of taking the pills.
• Read the Patient information leaflet provided with the pack before you start using the medication.

The recommended dosage of beginning Desogestrel 75mcg is to take one tablet at the same time daily. You will begin with a new pack immediately after finishing your current strip without taking a break.

There are many oral contraceptive pills out of which desogestrel is an effective contraceptive pill for women who are either breastfeeding or have a low tolerance to estrogen tablets. It is a safe medication for them to avoid unwanted pregnancy. However, there are certain groups of women who might not be suitable candidates for this birth-control medication. These include women with:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding without any known cause
• Breast cancer or a history of breast cancer
• Hereditary blood disorders called acute porphyrias
• Rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption since Desogestrel tablets contain lactose
  allergic to one or any of the ingredients in Desogestrel
• If you experience an allergic reaction, stop taking the medicine immediately and visit your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Like all medications, Desogestrel also comes with its own set of side effects that may affect people according to their body's tolerance to the medication. However, this does not mean that each person consuming this pill will necessarily face these effects. Some of the commonly noted side effects associated with Desogestrel include:

• Rash or hives
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Severe changes in menstrual bleeding sometimes lead to complete stoppage
• Mood changes like depression
• Nausea
• Acne
• Decreased libido
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Cysts on the ovaries
• Vomiting
• Vaginal infection
• Painful periods
• Fatigue

Make sure you have read and understood the precautions and warnings mentioned below before taking Desogestrel 75mcg:

• Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any estrogens or any progestins.
• Inform them of your medical history of blood clots and subsequent disorders, high blood pressure, abnormal breast exam, cancers, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, depression, diabetes, etc.
• If you are suffering from diabetes, take note that Desogestrel may affect your blood sugar. So you will need to check your blood sugar regularly and share the results with your doctor.
• Your doctor should know about any recent or upcoming surgeries you might be having. Since these conditions may raise your risk of blood clots when using hormonal birth control.
• Tell your doctor about all the other medications you take including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and over-the-counter herbal products.
• This medication may give rise to blotchy, dark areas on your face and skin due to melasma which might worsen in sunlight. You should limit your time in the sun and avoid tanning booths while ensuring to wear sunscreen and protective clothing outdoors.
• Once you stop taking the pills it may take some extra time for you to become pregnant and your menstrual cycle to return to normal.
• Do not use this pill during pregnancy. In case you have just given birth or had an abortion recently, visit your doctor after 3 months, for alternative forms of birth control that contain a safer form of estrogen.
• Desogestrel may lead to a decrease in breast milk production. Hence it is necessary to inform your doctor before taking this pill during breastfeeding. A small amount of the medicine may pass into your breast milk causing undesirable effects on the infant.

You can place your order for Desogestrel 75mcg with online pharmacy MedsNow to ensure that you receive only reliable and safe products. Since this is a prescription-only medication, you will have to take online consultation. That will ensure that this medicine is the ideal remedy for you. Post the results of the consultation, your order will be dispatched and delivered discreetly to your doorstep.

Does Desogestrel stop periods?
While it does not completely stop periods, you may not experience regular periods while taking Desogestrel.

Do you get periods on Desogestrel?
Yes, even though it could be irregular, you will get periods on Desogestrel.

Does Desogestrel affect your mood?
Desogestrel has been found to cause mood changes.

Can I start Desogestrel anytime?
You can start Desogestrel during any day of your menstrual cycle. When taken on days 1 to 5 of your menstrual cycle the pills will start acting immediately to protect against pregnancy.

How long after stopping Desogestrel will I have a period?
Most women will have a period for about 2 to 4 weeks after stopping Desogestrel. That however varies according to your usual cycle.

Can Desogestrel cause hair loss?
All birth control pills including Desogestrel have hormones that may lead to hair loss.

Can Desogestrel cause infertility?
This is a popular myth that birth-control pills impact fertility. That might have risen because some women experience a delay in resuming ovulation and menstruation following prolonged use of these pills.

Does Desogestrel cause blood clots?
Yes, there is a risk of contracting blood clots when taking Desogestrel. Combined hormonal birth control pills that contain progestin increase this risk.

Does Desogestrel cause depression?
Yes, depression has been noted as a side effect of taking Desogestrel.

Can Desogestrel cause hair growth?
Since these pills are low on the androgen index, they can stimulate hair growth by keeping your hair in the anagen phase for a longer duration.

Can you take Desogestrel late?
If you take the pill more than 12 hours late it may not be as effective.

What does Desogestrel do to your body?
The traditional progestogen-only pills like Desogestrel prevent pregnancy by thickening the mucus in the cervix. This prevents the sperm from reaching an egg. It can also stop ovulation.

Can Desogestrel cause low blood pressure?
Oral contraceptives containing Desogestrel progestins have little impact on blood pressure.

How long does Desogestrel stay in your system?
The hormones from Desogestrel usually take a couple of days to leave your body no matter how long you have been taking the pill.

Does Desogestrel help with PMS?
Desogestrel may prevent and suppress ovulation which makes them an ideal solution to treat PMS under the guidance of a gynaecologist.

What happens when you come off Desogestrel?
Once off the pill, your body will come back to its regular cycle of ovulation within 17 days of stopping Desogestrel containing minipill. In that case, you will have to look for other contraceptive measures to prevent pregnancy.

Can I take Desogestrel if I'm breastfeeding?
The progestogen-only pill is safe if you're breastfeeding. Small amounts of progestogen may pass into your breast milk that is not harmful to your baby.

Can Desogestrel make you gain weight?
Pills containing Desogestrel hormone are less likely to cause weight gain.

How long does it take Desogestrel to work?
It takes 2 days for Desogestrel to thicken cervical mucus to prevent fertilization by the sperm.

How to stop taking the combined pill - Desogestrel?
You can stop the pill on whenever you want to without finishing your pack. Remember that your menstrual cycle may become irregular but it should come back to normal within 3 months.

What happens if you miss one Desogestrel pill?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, do not take two pills to cover the missed dose.

If too many Desogestrel tablets are taken (overdose)?
Overdosing on Desogestrel may lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding. Contact your nearest health clinic immediately and get yourself checked.