Desogestrel is a synthetic progestin medication used in birth control pills for women. It is a type of hormone that, when taken properly, prevents pregnancy by stopping a womans egg from fully developing each month. The egg can no longer accept a sperm and fertilization (pregnancy) is prevented. Desogestrel is often used in combination with ethinyl estradiol, which is a type of estrogen hormone. The combination of these two hormones is used to prevent pregnancy and is available as a birth control pill. Desogestrel is also used in the treatment of menopausal symptoms in women. It is taken orally and is available as a generic medication.