Feanolla contains desogestrel which a form of the mini pill (progestogen-only pill). It is really safe for nearly every woman, but like all desogestrel pills, some of us have issues with breakthrough bleeding as there is no oestrogen in the mini pill to help with cycle control.
What is in the Feanolla pill?
75mcg
Less-Androgenic progestogen
Alternative to Feanolla pill
This contraceptive sits in Group 1 and has the same hormonal ingredient as:
Bleeding patterns are unpredictable with progestogen only pills such as Desogestrel. Science isn't quite sure why this happens, although we think it's that the vessels in the womb lining become more fragile and the womb lining becomes thinner over time. After using the progestogen only pill for about 12 months, about half of women may have infrequent or even no periods at all. For some women this is disconcerting, others love it! But it is a normal side effect. If your bleeding pattern suddenly changes, consider doing a pregnancy test.
Can Feanolla cause weight gain?
Whether there is an explicit link between Feanolla and weight gain remains to be seen - there is just not enough research done on this topic to provide a definitive answer! However, hormones in general can have an affect on how the body stores fat (for example, through water retention). We'd recommend taking a look at our user reviews above to see how our community reports Feanolla and it's impact upon weight. You can also find out more in our complete guide to contraception and weight.
Is bleeding on Feanolla normal?
Bleeding patterns are unpredictable with progestogen only pill use and breakthrough bleeding is common. Some lucky women may have no periods or infrequent periods, whereas others may bleed more frequently or have prolonged bleeding. This might settle the longer you use the mini pill. Although these symptoms may be annoying, they can be normal. If your bleeding pattern suddenly changes, or you get bleeding associated with other symptoms, consider doing a pregnancy test and STI test. If irregular bleeding continues or is problematic speak to your GP.
Does the Feanolla contraceptive pill cause acne?
The progestogen-only pill can increase the amount of sebum (oil) produced in the sebaceous glands of the skin leading to more spots. This affects women in varying amounts and many women don't notice a difference at all. If you suffer from acne it may be worth considering stopping progestogen-only contraception and switching to a combined method (combined hormonal contraception containing oestrogen is used as a treatment for acne) or non-hormonal method. Your doctor can also discuss medical treatments for acne with you. Take a look at our user reviews or head to our guide on acne and the pill to find out more.
Can I buy Feanolla online?
Whilst we don't currently stock Feanolla, we do provide access to 30+ other brands of pill including progestogen-only pills like Cerazette pill,Cerelle pill,Desogestrel and Desomono that contain exactly the same ingredients as Feanolla. Find the full list and find out more about our pill prescription service.
Detailed information
How the Feanolla pill works:
Feanolla is a small tablet you swallow daily that (unlike the combined pill) only contains one hormone – progestogen. It prevents pregnancy by making the fluid in your cervix thicker (which makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb), and preventing the lining of your womb thickening enough for a fertilised egg to implant in it. Progestogen-only pills containing desogestrel can also stop ovulation.
There are a few things that can stop the progestogen-only pill from working properly including vomiting, some medicines, or missing a pill. Take a look at our complete guide to the progestogen-only pill.
How to use the Feanolla pill:
Feanolla contains the hormone desogestrel and must be taken within 12 hours of the same time everyday. We recommend keeping your pill packet somewhere you look at everyday (like your makeup bag) to remind you to take it, or set an alarm on your phone. Feanolla pills are designed to be taken for 28 days with no break between packs. Depending on where you are in your cycle when you start the pill, you might not be protected against pregnancy straight away. Find out more about the progesterone only pill.
Coming off the pill is easy - you just stop taking it. When you do, you're no longer protected from pregnancy. If you want to stop the pill but do not wish to become pregnant then you might want to consider switching to another form of contraception before you stop taking your pill. Read our complete guide to coming off the pill.
How safe is the Feanolla pill:
Feanolla is very safe for most women. The development of small fluid-filled sacs (cysts) on your ovaries is a possible side effect but they are usually harmless and disappear without treatment. If you do become pregnant while you’re using the progestogen-only pill, there may be a small risk of an ectopic pregnancy. It's also important to remember that the pill does not protect you from STIs.
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