Family planning with norgestrel-ethinyl oestradiol in a private gynaecological practice
Croxford, V.A.
New Zealand Medical Journal 70(446): 7-9
1969
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-8446 PMID: 5258864 Document Number: 478723
A clinical series in a private gynecological practice with 50 patients aged 19-43 years who were seen between January 1966 and July 1968 were given a daily dosage of .5 mg norgestrel and .5 mg ethinyl estradiol for a 21 day course. 7 of the women (14%) were seen for counseling in preparation for marriage, 29 were married and had delivered, and the remaining 14 wished to postpone pregnancy. In 88%, menstrual flow remained unchanged, while 6% reported a heavier flow with the duration of bleeding unchanged. 1 patient claimed her cycle was shortened. Breakthrough bleeding occurred in .3% of cycles. 3 patients complained of spotting. Side effects were minor and usually occurred in the first 2 cycles, but over 504 cycles the women remained well and made no complaints. 5 patients indicated a weight gain, and 12 complained of gastric intolerance. 56% continued oral contraceptive use, 6 discontinued for a planned pregnancy, and 8 were transferred to another contraceptive measure because of continued weight gain (4), gastric intolerance (1), shortened cycle (1), and wish to rest from oral contraceptives (2).