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The Indian Contraceptive Testing Unit started making field trials with oral contraceptives in 1964. By June 1968, 958 women were taking oral contraceptives. Combination tablets used contained a minimum amount of progestogen (.5-3 mg) and a suitable amount of estrogen. The 21-tablet pack was found mot suitable. It was found that if a woman missed taking the tablets in the latter half of the cycle usually no harm resulted, but if she missed them at the beginning of the cycle pregnancy might follow as ovulation would not be inhibited. Main contraindications are liver damage, toxic hyperthyroidism, thromboembolic disease, and cancer of the genital tract or breast. Caution is advised for persons with chronic nephritis, a history of eclampsia, hypertension, varicose veins, ophthalmological disorders, or psychic depressive states. Side effects have been less with the smaller doses. The most serious side effect is thromboembolism. Those reported have been leg pain, giddiness, headache, breakthrough bleeding, nausea, vomiting, amenorrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, increased blood pressure, and skin rashes. Others have reported ocular disease and cranial nerve palsy. Sequential therapy has been reported to have a lower incidence of side effects but a higher rate of pregnancy. Low-dose progestogen therapy, the "minipill," does not inhibit ovulation but is effective by causing changes in the endometrium and in the mucus. The chlormadinone in the minipill does not affect lactation. However, the incidence of pregnancy is similar to that with an IUD (Lippes loop) which is 2.6/100 cases. Laboratory tests have been normal, except an increase in the thymol turbidity test. Vaginal cytology has revealed no case of malignancy. Results show that oral contraceptives are suitable for use on a mass scale as a method of population control.
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PMID:Experience with oral contraceptives. 1225 72

The complications (thromboembolism and jaundice), averse effects (metabolic disorders, hypertension and bleeding) and the risks (cancer and teratologic effects) of oral contraceptives are summarized and compared to those of other methods. Venous thrombosis is more frequent than arterial thrombosis; both are rare but can be severe; risk is decreased with minidose pills. Cholostatic jaundice is likely only in those with history of such jaundice in pregnancy. Decreased oral glucose tolerance similar to diabetes of pregnancy, similarly, is more common with high dose pills. Triglycerides, pre-beta lipoproteins and t otal cholesterol levels are increased to the upper limit of normal, but stabilize after 3 months of pill intake in normal women. Mixed hyperlipidemia in some women can be detected by the cholesterol to triglycerides ratio after 8 and 12 hours of fasting. Other possible side effects are hypertension, elevated thyroid hormone, depression due to abnormal tryptophan metabolism, acne, cholasma, varices, spotting, amenorrhea. The risk of cancer is still unknown, but that of chromosomal defects in unfounded. To avoid these complications, the physician must observe the contraindications of history of thromboembolism, heart disease, jaundice, hypertension and cancer, and follow patients regularly by gynecologic exam, glucose tolerance and blood lipid tests and take blood pressure. In comparison, diaphragms give 15% failure rates, and copper IUDs less than 1%, but about 10% expulsions and 10% removals for bleeding.
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PMID:[Complications of contraception]. 1225 11

The estrogen and progestin in most oral contraceptives, regardless of amounts, can produce undesirable side effects in any woman. The convenience and effectiveness, however, make oral contraceptives an excellent birth control method for the correctly screened patient. The use of relatively small doses of estrogen combined with a progestin complementary to the estrogenic, progestogenic, and androgenic needs of the patient will reduce the risk of side effects. Above the 50 ug estrogen level there is significantly higher risk of pulmonary embolism, venous thrombosis, and cerebral thrombosis. Hypertension, depression and hepatic disorders are other potential side effects. Less serious complications are breakthrough bleeding, likely caused by low level estrogen dosage and amenorrhea. Progestogenic effects include sustained noncyclic weight gain and amenorrhea. Prescribing these agents necessitates adequate follow-up and willingness to alter the prescription.
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PMID:Choosing the appropriate oral contraceptive. 1226 Jun 96

Ever since a gradual but significant reduction in the estrogenic and progestogenic components of oral contraceptives (OCs) was made, there has been a corresponding decrease in adverse effects associated with the pill. The beneficial effects include prevention of pregnancy, reduction in pelvic inflammatory disease, protection against ovarian/endometrial cancer and benign breast tumors and ovarian cysts, reduction in the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis among OC users, and regulation of the menstrual cycle. The adverse effects include diseases of the circulatory system (myocardial infarction, venous thromboembolism, subarachnoid hemorrhage, hypertension), possible carcinogenicity (breast, cervix, melanoma), pituitary adenomas, liver disorders, glucose metabolix effects (diabetes), vitamin status alteration, delay in return of menstruation and fertility, and a number of minor side effects (nausea, vomiting). Contraindications to OC use include history of malignancy of the breast or genital tract, venous thromboembolism, cerebrovascular accident, undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding, focal migraine, or familial hyperlipidemia. The following situations require medical assessment before OCs are prescribed, and medical supervision if OCs are prescribed: age 40+, smoking and age over 35, mild hypertension or a history of hypertensive disease of pregnancy (toxemia), epilepsy, diabetes mellitus, history of bouts of depression, history of oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea in nulliparous women, and gallbladder disease. Problems could occur with OC use in the following situations: 1) lactation (ideally, OCs should be withheld until the child is weaned but if not possible, OCs should not be given until lactation is established); 2) drug interaction (other contraceptive form should be used when the patient is taking antibiotics or anticonvulsants); 3) tropical diseases (studies are still underway); 4) adolescence (very young girls should use other contraceptive method until regular menstruation is established); 5) postcoital contraception (limited use of steroids in emergency situation); and 6) hormonal pregnancy tests (use of oral steroids for pregnancy testing is not recommended). The 3 main types of OCs currently used are the combined estrogen and progestagen, the progestagen-only OC, and the triphasic OC. The lowest effective dose of a compound should be used, and healthy women may continue to use OCs for many years.
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PMID:Statement on steroidal oral contraceptives. 1226 73

The choice of currently available oral contraceptives (OCs) includes combined formulations in varying dosages and monophaic, biphasic, or triphasic form, sequential pills, synthetic progestin-only pills in macro or microdose, and injectable synthetic progestins. Before the advent of microdose pills, products were characterized by progestin or estrogen dominance. Rumors that microdose pills do not completely inhibit ovulation have hindered their acceptance in France, but research has shown that they inhibit ovarian secretions as effectively as more strongly dosed products. Their les profound inhibition of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis raises hopes of a lessened incidence of postpill amenorrhea. Progestin-only microdose pills allow considerable ovarian estrogen secretion, creating a veritable iatrogenic luteal insufficiency. Following the suppression of mestranol, the only estrogen used in OCs is ethinyl estradiol (EE). The only 19-norsteroid progestins which are fixed directly to the progesterone receptors are norethindrone and norgestrel; others such as lynestrenol, ethynodiol diacetate and norethindrone acetate are prohormones. Menstrual problems are among the most frequent side effects of minidose combined pills, but their incidence had dimished with the appearance of biphasic pills and the triphasic pills should offer even greater improvements. The frequency of thromboembolic venous accidents is firectly correlated to the estrogen dose of OCs, but arterial accidents and possibly arterial hypertension appear to be linked to the progestin dose. Synthetic progestins appear to diminish the high density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction of cholesterol and disturb glucose tolerance, while synthetic estrogens augment the HDL fraction of cholesterol and the very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) fraction of triglycerides, modify some coagulation factors, and elevate the plasma level of angiotensinogene. Dose levels and chemical structures of the constituents influence the metabolic effects of pill formulations. In current practice, minidose products are preferred because they cause fewer metabolic changes and are less likely to entail vascular risks. Sequential pills are prescribed for 1 cycle following induced abortion but are not used for long periods because they are not 100% effective, they carry a risk of endometrial hyperplasia, and they appear to increase risks of venous thromboembolism. A combination of 50 mcg EE and 2 mg cyproterone acetate may be prescribed for acne, and minidose combination pills may be used in case of fibroma or endometriosis. In case of contraindications to estrogen, a microdose or injectable progestin can be prescribed if their shortcomings are kept in mind. The current popularity of macrodose progestin-only pills in France has more to do with fashion than with science. All hormonal contraception should be avoided for women at risk, including smokers and those with hyperlipidemia or a family history of vascular accidents.
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PMID:[How to choose an oral contraceptive in 1984]. 1226 9

Systemic lupus erythematosus usually affects young women of reproductive age and may be brought on or worsened by pregnancy or use of some oral contraceptives (OCs). At certain stages of the disease pregnancies are possible, but effective and reversible contraception permitting careful pregnancy planning is required. Amenorrhea is frequent in acute stages of the disease, but most authors have observed fertility levels in lupic women comparable to those of the population at large. Pregnancy complications and aggravations of lupus are much more rare when conception occurs during a stable remission of at least 6 months. Risks of lupus that must be considered in choosing a contraceptive method include vascular accidents such as venous thrombosis and inflammatory lesions of the arteries, hypertension usually secondary to nephropathy or corticotherapy, metabolic disturbances, anomalies of hemostasis, initiation or exacerbation of the disease with use of combined OCs, and predisposition to infection. Pills containing estrogen, even at low doses, are contraindicated because of the already high vascular risk of lupus patients and because estrogens may aggravate the condition. Progestins derived from 19 norsteroids are inadvisable because of the still imperfectly understood secondary effects which may include disturbances of metabolism or blood pressure. Low dose progestins or those derived from 17 hydroxyprogesterone appear to be a contraceptive of choice for lupus patients because of their lack of effects on metabolism or blood pressure. Their contraceptive efficacy is not quite as high as that of other OCs and they may entail a relative hyperestrogenic climate. They are not advisable in case of luteal insufficiency. IUDs are contraindicated because of the risk of infection, although they may be used in periods of remission for mild cases of lupus not treated with immunosuppressive drugs. Progestin-releasing IUDs may reduce risk of infection. Local methods have the advantage of being innocuous but their relatively high failure rate makes them inappropriate except for highly motivated women in stages of remission.
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PMID:[Contraception in women suffering from systemic lupus ethymatosus]. 1226 11

1025 women who had used Depo-Provera 150 mg injections for contraception for 3-8 1/2 years were studied to assess the effects of prolonged use. 24.4% were aged 25-29, 33.7% were 30-34, 25.1% were 35-39, 11.2% were 40-44, and the rest were 24 and under. 47.2% had had 5-8 pregnancies and 36.3% had had 9 or more. 78.3% had had at least 5 births. 93.4% had menstrual cycles averaging 26-32 days before treatment. 74% had used no previous contraception, 18.9% used oral contraceptives (OCs), .9% used a monthly injectable, 2.9% used another trimonthly injectable, 3.1% used IUD, and .1% each used condoms and rhythm. 58.6% had amenorrhea while using Depo-Provera and 73.5% of the others had short bleeding episodes of 1-2 days. 62% of 92 endometrial biopsies indicated varying degrees of endometrial atrophy. 5 cases of benign breast adenomas were confirmed by biopsy. 71 women complained of moderate breast tenderness. No cases of breast cancer were observed. 73% gained and 9.2% lost at least 1 kg in weight. No significant changes in blood pressure were noted. The proportion of women reporting inorgasmic sexual response increased from 50.3% at the beginning of use to 75.3% after 12-38 doses of Depo-Provera. 3 pregnancies occurred, 2 possibly resulting from faulty injection technique. A follow-up study of 80 former users for 1 year showed that 39 of 58 cases of amenorrhea resumed menses in an average time of 8-9 months, and 19 did not resume menstruation. 10 of 48 with weight changes did not return to the former weight. Nervousness, amenorrhea, and acne were the symptoms requiring the longest time to disappear. 29 of 46 women complaining of frigidity and 2 of 15 complaining of dyspareunia failed to improve. 11.2% of the 80 women terminated use to achieve pregnancy. Other factors were amenorrhea (72.5%), weight gain (60%), edema (50%), nervousness (45%), sexual problems (81.2%), and hypertension (3.7%).
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PMID:[Prolonged use of medroxyprogesterone acetate for contraception]. 1227 35

Guidelines are provided for women who use minipills. Minipills are low dose, progestin only oral contraceptives (OC), which are frequently prescribed for women who 1) experience estrogen related side effects if they take combined OCs; 2) are 35 years of age or older; 3) are 30 years of age or aver and smoke; 4) have a history of headaches, hypertension, or varicose veins; 5) desire immediate postpartum protection; or 6) are lactating. Minipills prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation and implantation and by making the cervical mucus more impervious to sperm penetration. Minipills can be effective if they are used properly. Women who take minipills should be advised to carefully read and follow the instructions provided in the OC packet, initiate pill taking on the 1st day of menstrual bleeding, and take 1 pill every day without and breaks. A backup method should be used during the 1st month and subsequently, during each midcycle phase. If a woman misses 1 pill, she should immediately, upon remembering, take a pill, take her next day's pill at regular time, and use a backup method until menstruation reoccurs. If a woman misses 2 pills, she should immediately, upon remembering, take 2 pills, take 2 pills the following day, and use a backup method until menstruation begins. Women should be advised that many minipill users experience irregular menstural cycles, including amenorrhea and spotting between periods. If menstruation is delayed for 45 days, a pregnancy test is advisable. Women should be advised to immediately seek medical attention if they experience severe chest pain, shortness breath, severe headaches, vision problems, or severe leg pain. Minipill users should let their clinicians know if they experience and changes in mood or sexual drive. These problems can frequently be avoided by switching to another brand of minipills.
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PMID:Instructions for minipill users. 1227 15

Obesity is a risk factor for women in both pregnancy and contraception. Obesity per se does not cause sterility, but problems in gonadotropic function can arise during periods of rapid weight gain in bulimic episodes. Dysovulation is more common in such cases than amenorrhea. In established obesity, anovulation may occur, as demonstrated by the temperature curve and hormonal levels, but it is usually due to other factors such as ovarian polycystic syndrome or Cushing's syndrome. The main problems of obesity during pregnancy are carbohydrate metabolic disorders and hypertension. In 1 study, hypertension was found in 42.4% of pregnancies of obese women vs. 5.84% in controls; 22% of cases were severe, with blood pressure over 160/100. Carbohydrate metabolic difficulties were found in 11.8% of obese subjects vs. 1.2% of controls. The main consequence of maternal obesity on the child is macrosomy; occurring in 21.3% of births vs. 5.8% in controls. 5.1% of births to obese women are postmature vs. .7% in controls. The rate of cesareans for obese women is high. Improved fetal prognosis in pregnancies of obese women requires increased clinical surveillance for signs of hypertension or excessive weight gain and laboratory monitoring of glucose metabolism every month or even every 2 weeks. A sonogram should be done to detect macrosomy. A careful diet of 1200-1500 calories per day is recommended. 40% should be protein and 30% lipid. Rapid-absorption sugars should be excluded. Oral contraceptives appear to cause weight gain because estrogen stimulates the appetite and progestins have an anabolizing action. If weight gain exceeds 3 kg, a low dose pill and a restrictive diet should be recommended. OCs should be terminated if weight gain continues, and anomalies of glucose or lipid metabolism should be ruled out. Obesity constitutes a relative contraindication for use of combined OCs. Combined OCs may aggravate the obesity. Obesity on the other hand is a risk factor for cardiovascular accidents in OC users. IUDs are preferred for multiparous obese women. Nulliparas and multiparas with absolute contraindications to IUDs can use low-dose OCs if there are no other cardiovascular risk factors, no weight gain, and blood pressure and lipid and glucose metabolism are checked every 6 months. If these conditions cannot be met, the use of condoms or spermicides is recommended.
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PMID:[The obese woman: pregnancy and contraception]. 1228 89

Every once in a while, female athletes hear the rumor that oral contraceptives (OCs) keep them from performing their best. Yet, studies that have tried to evaluate the effects of OCs on physically active women have not been conclusive. This rumor probably started with the initial, higher-dose formulations instead of with the current biphasic or triphasic OCs. Side effects of the higher-dose OCs included weight gain, nausea, fatigue, headaches, and increased risks of hypertension, thromboembolism, and changes in glucose and lipid metabolism. Current OCs minimize these side effects and the risk of complications. In fact, the aerobic exercise female athletes undergo most likely neutralizes the negative effects of OCs on coagulation and lipid metabolism. Further, OCs may even improve athletic performance because they can decrease bleeding, the risk of iron deficiency, and frequency of cramps. Moreover, athletes can use OCs to orchestrate their menstrual cycles around competitive meets. Some studies with small sample sizes show that athletes on OCs experience a slight reduction in functional aerobic capacity and endurance capability. A Swedish study of female soccer players reported that OC users suffer fewer traumatic injuries than nonusers. It is difficult to attribute this to OCs, because there is considerable psychological control over sports performance. A sports physician in Hawaii is aware of rumors that OCs induce sluggishness or fatigue during certain days of the month, but he does not know a female athlete who believes this. The head trainer of the US Olympic Committee says that many female Olympic athletes use OCs. Strenuous exercise, considerable weight loss, and possibly other stress factors induce athletic amenorrhea, especially in adolescent females. In many cases, OCs can treat it. They are especially needed to minimize the risk of reduced bone density and musculoskeletal injury.
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PMID:Exercise and "the pill": putting a rumor to rest. 1228 95


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