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.