Side effects of using modern contraceptive methods for a period of 9192 cycles
Nalbanski, B.
Akusherstvo i Ginekologiia 19(5-6): 553-556
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0324-0959 PMID: 7194584 Document Number: 499224
Clinical studies on the side effects of contraception with modern methods are of crucial importance, as they help us to select the most effective physiological or mechanical contraceptive. In this study, the side effects of several contraceptive hormones and various IUDs were examined for a total period of 9192 cycles. The studies were conducted with 2 groups of women. The first group consisted of 250 women who used IUDs for a period of 6000 cycles. The response to the implantation of the IUD depended on the age, education, marital status, genital condition, and other factors. The most serious side effects were: 1) changes in menstrual cycles, intermenstrual hemorrhage, and menstrual pain; 2) inflammation of the genitals and cervical erosion; and 3) changes in sexual behavior. The data were statistically treated using a scale that had been specially developed for this purpose. The results showed that Copper TC-200 was the most effective and safest of the IUDs studied. It was followed by Lippes Loop, Dana Super, Dana Copper and Sunovala, in that order. Another group consisting of 266 women was studied for 3192 cycles to examine the side effects of using hormonal contraceptives, i.e., Noristerat, Semovar, Varnolan, Ovidan, Neoginon, and Gravistat. The side effects studied were: 1) changes in the nervous/psychic system; 2) changes in sexual behavior; and 3) changes in the parameters of the menstrual cycle, intermenstrual hemorrhage, and amenorrhea. In general, a moderately strong correlation (r= .52) was established between the administration of the contraceptive hormones and the side effects. The distribution of cases was significant (p .05) and depended on the type of the contraceptive used. The results suggest that some of the contraceptive hormones have a certain influence on the aformentioned side effects.