What Is Cesia Used For? -- An Overview
Cesia™ (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol) is a prescription
birth control pill. It is a generic version of the birth control pill called
Cyclessa®. Like most birth control pills, Cesia offers the following benefits in addition to effective birth control:
- Relatively easy to use
- Lighter and more regular menstrual bleeding
- Less menstrual pain
- Decreased risk of ovarian or endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus).
Women can chose from a variety of different birth control options available today. Each particular method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and no one method will be right for all women. Some are easier to use than others, and some are more effective than others. Some of the most commonly used birth control methods include:
- Progestin-only contraceptives -- Some birth control pills ("mini-pills"), injections, and implants
- Combined hormonal contraceptives (which contain a progestin and an estrogen) -- Most birth control pills, patches, and rings
- Periodic abstinence (known as natural family planning or the rhythm method) -- Avoiding intercourse during the fertile phase of your menstrual cycle
- Withdrawal -- Removing the penis from the vagina prior to ejaculation
- Barrier contraceptives -- Condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and other methods that physically block the sperm from entering the uterus
- Spermicides -- Foams, jellies, gels, suppositories, and inserts
- Intrauterine devices (IUDs) -- Implanted devices that are both effective and reversible
- Surgical sterilization -- Tubal ligation (getting your "tubes tied") or vasectomy (for men).
Like most birth control pills, Cesia falls into the category of combined hormonal contraceptives, as it contains both an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (desogestrel). Birth control pills are often a great contraceptive choice for many women. However, combined hormonal contraceptives may increase the risk of blood clots and other problems, and not all women should take them
(see Precautions and Warnings With Cesia).
As with almost all methods of birth control, combined hormonal contraceptives must be used correctly and consistently; otherwise, they will be much less effective. It's also important to remember that Cesia does not protect against
HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). As a result, in many situations, it is advisable to use condoms in addition to Cesia to prevent transmission of STDs.
