Abstract

PIP: The author reports on 206 cases of endometriosis examined between 1970-1977. 172 patients had used OC (oral contraception) for a varying period of time prior to diagnosis of endometriosis; of these, 122 had taken only combined OCs containing 50 mg. or more of estrogen. These data neither support nor contradict the contention that the cyclic use of the combination pill will alter the progression of endometriosis. The only difference within the groups with mild, moderate, or severe endometriosis was the length of treatment. Endometriosis can cause infertility as well as other problems; if the dose of estrogen plays a role in the etiology of endometriosis, low-dose combination pill should be considered.