Comparative Performance of a Combined Injectable Contraceptive (50 mg Norethisterone Enanthate Plus 5mg Estradiol Valerate) and a Combined Oral Contraceptive (0.15 mg Levonorgestrel plus 0.03 mg Ethinyl Estradiol) in Adolescents

Abstract

Study Objective: To compare in a regular non-clinical trial experience the efficacy, acceptability, and continuation rates of an injectable contraceptive containing 50 mg norethisterone enanthate plus 5mg estradiol valerate (IC) and an oral contraceptive containing 0.15 mg levonorgestrel plus 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol (OC), among adolescent users. Design: A total of 251 adolescents ages 14-19 were followed during 12 months. The IC group (124 subjects) was studied for 1044 cycles and the OC group (127 subjects) was studied for 1368 cycles. The users were not assigned in a random selection. Information was collected from clinical records. Groups were compared using Pearson chi-square, odds ratio (95% confidence interval), t-test, and proportion difference test. Results: The IC group had significant differences in baseline social risk, confidence, psychiatric problems, consumption of alcohol, and number of sexual partners. At 12 months, the IC group showed significant decrease in weight a