Norgestrel, A Low Dose, Oral Progestogen for Fertility Control

Abstract

Norgestrel, a unique, totally synthesized progestogen, was administered to 264 young adult women (50% in private practice) for contraception. Oral doses of 0.5 mg Norgestrel and 0.05 mg ethihyl estradiol were used for 21 days, omitted for 7 days, then resumed on the same day of the week, whether or not menstruation had occurred or was present (21-7 day schedule). Treatment was continued for one to 22 cycles (total 1918: 148 woman-years), mean 7 cycles per patient None conceived (pregnancy rate per 100 woman-years, 0), although some had omitted doses, mainly in the first 4 cycles. Cycle control was satisfactory: average duration of menses 4.3 days; average cycle length 27.3 days; amenorrhea 0.2%, breakthrough bleeding 0.4% and spotting 2.5% of total cycles. Flow was average in 74.4% and unchanged in 87.8% of cycles. Vaginal and cervical smears during and after treatment showed no abnormal cytology; laboratory findings with few exceptions remained within normal range. The side effects, common to oral antifertility treatment, were minimal.