A randomised study comparing the effect on ovarian activity of a progestogen-only pill (POP) containing desogestrel and a new POP containing drospirenone in a 24/4 regimen

Abstract

The new drospirenone-only pill inhibited ovulation as effectively as the desogestrel-only pill despite the 4-day hormone-free interval.

Contraceptive methods and issues around the menopause: an evidence update

“…POPs do not cause blood pressure to increase, their effect on lipid profiles and diabetes is minimal and VTE risk is not increased . They are safe for use in women suffering from migraine with aura .…”

Drospirenone-only oral contraceptive: results from a multicenter noncomparative trial of efficacy, safety and tolerability

“…Multiple dose exposure of DRSP 4mg demonstrated a lower exposure of DRSP compared to 3mg/20mg ethinyl estradiol (EE) (Yaz®) [data on file, Exeltis], and additional testing with DRSP 4 mg demonstrated inhibition of ovulation with DRSP 4 mg similar to that of desogestrel 75µg during two 28-day cycles. [11] The regimen for this new oral contraceptive was DRSP daily for 24 days followed by a placebo for 4 days. This schedule was chosen as it was thought that a break in the intake regimen might improve cycle control if a progestogen withdrawal bleed is induced, which is then a scheduled bleed.…”

FSRH Guideline (January 2019, amended October 2023) Combined Hormonal Contraception

“…However, markers used for occurrence of ovulation are not consistent across studies and frequency of ovulation may have been overestimated. A study91 of 40 women randomised to start COC on Day 1 or CVR on Day 5 observed no ovulations, but there was less ovarian suppression in the group who started CVR on Day 5.…”