The impact of an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and
drospirenone on the quality of life in young women
K. Sedlecki, I. Mazibrada, Z. Stankovic, S. Perovic
Family Planning Center, Mother and Child Health Care Institute of Serbia,
Belgrade, United States
Introduction For many young women the most suitable method of
contraception is a low-dose combined oral contraceptive (COC). Apart of high
contraceptive efficacy, this method is characterized by many non-contraceptive
benefits.
Objective To assess a hypothesis that COC containing ethinyl estradiol
and drospirenone could improve the quality of life in young women.
Design and method Investigation was conducted in the period from
October 1st 2004 to April 30th 2005. The women aged 14-24 years attending the
Youth Reproductive Health Service were offered to participate in the study with
a new COC containing ethynil estradiol and drospirenone. The group consisted of
the first 200 subjects who accepted the study terms. All 6 COC cycles passed 182
women. The assessment of the effects of this preparation on the characteristics
related to the quality of life was made after 3 and 6 cycles. Data were
statistically analyzed by descriptive statistics, using SPSS.
Results COC containing ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone provided
good cycle control with a low incidence of intermenstrual bleeding after the
first cycle (5.0%). The significant reduction of dysmenorrhea (68.7%) and
various menstrually-related symptoms (painful breasts by 64.7%, swelling 70.0%,
depression 64.0%, irritability 55.1%) were observed. At the end of the sixth
cycle 79.1%of COC users estimated their life as very good in comparison with
72.5% at the beginning of the study.
Conclusion This investigation indicates that COC containing ethinyl
estradiol and drospirenone is very good contraceptive option for young women,
especially for those with menstrually-related symptoms.