A comparative study of Norinyl 1/35 versus Lo-Ovral in Ile-Ife Nigeria

Abstract

A comparative analysis of those women on Norinyl 1/35 versus those on Lo-Ovral showed those on Norinyl 1/35 were significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) older than women in the Lo-Ovral group. There were no significant differences (P greater than or equal to 0.05) between the groups for other characteristics at admission. There were no significant differences (P greater than or equal to 0.05) between the groups at follow-up in the number of women reporting serious complications, menstrual complaints or other pill-related problems. The continuation rates at 12 months were 79.4 for the Norinyl 1/35 group and 76.7 for the Lo-Ovral groups. There were no pregnancies reported during the study period.

PIP: A comparative study of 2 combined oral contraceptives was conducted on 100 women in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Women were randomly allocated to receive either Lo-Ovral or Norinyl 1/35. Lo-Ovral and Norinyl 1/35 have similar low dose estrogen content, but different progestogen formulations and dosages. The women in the Lo-Ovral group were significantly younger than the Norinyl 1/35 group, with mean ages of 28.3 and 30.6 years respectively. There was no significant statistical difference between the education levels of the 2 groups. The mean parity of the groups was not statistically different, either. Only 3 women had serious complaints at the onset. 15 women, (31.9%) in Norinyl 1/35 and 9 (18.8%) in the Lo-Ovral group reported at least 1 menstrual complaint. However, the difference between the groups was not significant. 28 women (59.6%) in the Norinyl group, and 23 women (47%) in the Lo-Ovral group reported at least 1 complaint. All the women who had initial serious complaints chose to continue the method, and did not report the problems again at follow-up visits. Most of the other complaints decreased in most users with use. 10 women (21.2%) in the Norinyl group and 12 women (25.0%) in the Lo-Ovral group discontinued the method during the study. The difference was not statistically significant. Travel/movement was the primary reason for not continuing in both groups. The loss to follow-up rate was 33.3% and 27.1% for Norinyl and Lo-Ovral, respectively. No pregnancies were reported during the study. The dosages of estrogen used appear very effective and the progesterone component well tolerated. Gastrointestinal symptoms were minimal. Side effects did not contribute to the high rate of discontinuation.