Cycle control, safety and acceptability of a new oral contraceptive containing ethinylestradiol 15 micrograms and gestodene 60 micrograms.

OBJECTIVE To determine cycle control, safety, and acceptability of a 24-day oral contraceptive regimen containing 15 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 60 micrograms of gestodene. MATERIAL AND METHOD This was an open-label, non-comparative study. Healthy women 18 to 35 years old who attended the Family Planning Clinic of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital were assigned to receive six cycles of the study oral contraceptives, administered daily for 24 days and followed by a 4-day hormone-free interval. Data on bleeding patterns, side effects, body weight, blood pressure, and satisfaction were collected. Descriptive statistics and paired t test were used for the analysis. RESULTS Ninety-four women completed the present study. There was no pregnancy reported during the present study. Percentages of breakthrough bleeding and spotting were higher in the first cycle (2.1% and 6.4%), then decreased and disappeared after the third cycle. There was no significant change in the body weight and the blood pressure. Only minimal side effects were reported and 93.6% of the women were satisfied or very satisfied. Furthermore, 91.5% would continue using this oral contraceptive. CONCLUSION This new oral contraceptive, a combination of 15 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 60 micrograms of gestodene has acceptable cycle control, minimal side effects, and good acceptability.