Ethinyl oestradiol plus dl-norgestrel or levonorgestrel in the Yuzpe method for post-coital contraception: results of an observational study.
This observational study compares the efficacy and incidence of side-effects between dl-norgestrel (2 mg) and levonorgestrel (1 mg) associated with ethinyl oestradiol (200 micrograms) given in two doses 12 h apart for emergency post-coital contraception. A total of 117 consecutive women were given dl-norgestrel in combination with the oestrogen (dl-norgestrel group) while 423 consecutive subjects received the combination ethinyl oestradiol/levonorgestrel (levonorgestrel group). Overall, four (0.8%) pregnancies occurred in the 540 treated women, one (0.9%) in the dl-norgestrel group and three (0.7%) in the levonorgestrel group. In addition to this similar high contraceptive efficacy between both study groups, women in the levonorgestrel group had a significantly lower incidence of side-effects (23.5%) and better timing of the next menstruation after treatment (75% had bleeding on time) than those in the dl-norgestrel group (corresponding figures were 50.5 and 62.6% respectively). It is concluded that levonorgestrel should be used in preference to dl-norgestrel for post-coital contraception in the Yuzpe regimen.
Sánchez-Borrego
R
R
Diatros Family Planning Center, Barcelona, Spain.
Balasch
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003282:Contraceptives, Postcoital, Hormonal; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D008598:Menstruation; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced; D009644:Norgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced
D003282:Contraceptives, Postcoital, Hormonal; D009644:Norgestrel; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D016912:Levonorgestrel