Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning PubHealthInfo

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PubHealth.info® (a subsidiary of PakMed) presents scientific information mainly based on abstracts of articles published on a variety of public health issues/topics, particularly encompassing population planning, disease prevention, maternal and child health, and communicable and non-communicable diseases (like HIV AIDS, malaria, etc) that are affecting a significant portion of population in developing and developed countries. Here you can find abstracts of articles published on a variety of public health topics under category "Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning". Contraception (birth control) is a regimen of one or more actions, devices, or medications followed in order to deliberately prevent or reduce the likelihood of a woman becoming pregnant or giving birth. Therefore contraception is the utilization of various and sundry surgical procedures, devices, practices, agents, or drugs with the intention of preventing conception or impregnation (pregnancy). Methods and intentions typically termed birth control may be considered a pivotal ingredient to family planning. Birth control is a controversial political and ethical issue in many cultures and religions, and although it is generally less controversial than abortion specifically.

YEAR: 1992

CATEGORY: Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning

TITLE

The new pills: awaiting the next generation of oral contraceptives.

AUTHORS

Klitsch M

SOURCE

Family Planning Perspectives. 1992 Sep-Oct;24(5):226-8.

ABSTRACT

Even though oral contraceptives (OCs) with the new 3 progestins are the most widely prescribed OCs in the world,

especially in Europe, they still are not available to US women. Gestodene's, desogestrel's, and norgestimate's

effective daily dose are only 75 mcg, 150 mcg, and 250 mcg, respectively, while the daily dose of norethindrone in

OCs used in the US ranges from 350-1000 mcg. The older progestins alter lipid metabolism, thus increasing

cardiovascular disease risks. Some studies indicate that the new progestins induce fewer lipid metabolic changes

than the older progestins. A 1988 study in West Germany suggests, however, that women who use gestodene may

be at increased risk of thromboembolism. Yet, similar research in the UK and also in West Germany did not find

this association. There has been concern for many years about OCs' ability to change glucose metabolism and

insulin resistance. 5 studies show that OCs with desogestrel cause fewer such disturbances than those with

levonorgestrel. 1 study also finds that OCs with gestodene do not alter glucose and insulin levels. On the other

hand, 1 study suggests, that OCs with gestodene increase glucose and insulin levels over 6 months. European

studies of the new progestins demonstrate their low 1-year method failure rates (gestodene, 0.07/100 users;

desogestrel, 0.04/100 users; and norgestimate, [pregnancy rate] 0.25/100 users). Further, the 3 progestins result in a

smaller proportion of women who have side effects (breakthrough bleeding or spotting, 3-9%, breast discomfort or

headaches, 10-13%). Yet, researchers have not directly compared the effectiveness and acceptability of the 3 new

progestins. A legal dispute between 2 pharmaceutical companies prevented the marketing of norgestimate in 1990.

1 company claims patent infringement. The US Food and Drug Administration is now evaluating gestodene and

desogestrel. It probably will not approve gestodene until the question of apparent excess of thromboembolism is

resolved. (PubHealth.info Document ID: CONT3T 1585-06)

PubHealth.info NOTE: The author(s) of this article titled, "The new pills: awaiting the next generation of oral

contraceptives.", is(are) Klitsch M. The source of this article is "Family Planning Perspectives. 1992 Sep-

Oct;24(5):226-8.". This article was published in 1992 in English language(s). (PubHealth.info® Document ID:

CONT3T 1585-06. All rights reserved with PubHealth.info) PIN: 11585

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