The effect of oral contraceptives on uterine size examined by ultrasound. (Abstract only)

When examining the side effects of oral contraception consideration has also been shown to its effect on uterine size. B-mode ultrasonography has proved to be reliable in measuring the size of a nonpregnant uterus. With its help it is possible to establish changes in uterine size during the menstrual cycle. In the present study the effect of the pill on uterine size has been examined by ultrasound. Oral contraceptives were prescribed for 39 women average age 21. 21 started to take the combined pill containing .05 of ethinyl estradiol either with 2 mg of norethisterone (E-con) or with .25 mg of d-norgestrel (Neo-Primovlar). A progestogen-only pill .5 mg of lynestrenol (Exluton) was prescribed for 18 women. Prior to taking the pill uterine size was measured with a planimeter from the uterine longitudinal midline section (scale 1:1) obtained from the B-scan. The size was remeasured on the same day (+ or -1 day) of the cycle after taking the pill for 3 and 6 months. When comparing the original uterine size with those after 3 and 6 months on the pill no difference can be observed either in women on the combined pills or on Exluton (p more than .05). The study will be continued. So far 3 women have been examined by ultrasound after taking the pill for 12 months. Uterine size has remained unchanged in each case.(FULL TEXT)