Abstract
The antifertility effect of norgestimate (Ng), 0.250 mg, in combination with ethinyl estradiol (EE), 0.035 mg, on cervical mucus was investigated. The study was conducted over two consecutive cycles: a control cycle followed by a study cycle during which medication was given. Basal body temperature, cervical mucus and karyopyknotic index of vaginal cells were evaluated during both cycles. Disappearance of cyclicity of these parameters in the study cycle as well as monophasic basal body temperature were suggestive of inhibition of ovulation caused by the combination pill. Deterioration of sperm penetration may be reflective of anovulation and a direct antifertility effect of Ng on cervical mucus.
Résumé
L'effet stérilisant du norgestimate (Ng) en doses de 0,250 mg associé à 0,035 mg d'éthinylestradiol (EE) sur le mucus cervical a fait l'objet d'études, réalisées en deux cycles consécutifs, dont un cycle de contrôle suivi d'un cycle d'étude durant lequel le médicament a été administré. Pendant ces deux cycles, on a évalué la température basale du corps, le mucus cervical et l'indice caryopycnotique des cellules vaginales. La disparation de la nature cyclique de ces paramètres durant le cycle d'étude et la température basale monophasique du corps ont semblé indiquer que la pilule mixte avait inhibé l'ovulation. La détérioriation de la pénétration du sperme pourrait également constituer une répercussion de l'anovulation, et un effet stérilisant direct du Ng sur le mucus cervical.
Resumen
Se estudió el efecto anticonceptivo de norgestimate (Ng) 0,250 mg en combinación con etinilestradiol (EE) 0,035 mg en el moco cervical. Se estudiaron dos ciclos consecutivos: un ciclo de control seguido por un ciclo durante el cual se administró la medicación. La temperature corporal basal, el moco cervical y el índice cariopicnótico de las células vaginales fueron evaluados durante ambos ciclos. La desaparición de la ciclicidad de dichos parámetros así como la temperatura corporal basal monofásica, fueron sugestivos de inhibición de la ovulación causada por la tableta combinada. El deterioro en la penetración de los espermatozoides puede ser reflejo de la anovulación y de un efecto antifertilidad directo de Ng en el moco cervical.
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References
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Ortho Pharmaceutical Company unpublished data, revised May 1985
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Hull, M.E., Moghissi, K.S. Effects of norgestimate (0.250 mg) in combination with ethinyl estradiol (0.035 mg) on cervical mucus. Adv Contracept 2, 71–77 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01849299
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01849299