Experience with 50 mcg and 75 mcg dl-norgestrel as a mini-pill in India.

Abstract Several reports have indicated the usefulness of a continuous dose mini-pill for fertility regulation. In this study, dl-norgestrel was given at two dose levels. Fifty mcg was given to 356 women for 1,665 woman months and 75 mcg to 312 women for 1,392 woman months. Data analyzed by life-table method showed that net cumulative rate for pregnancy at the end of 6 months was 3.4 with 50 mcg and 2.1 with 75 mcg. Breakthrough bleeding occurred more frequently with 75 mcg. Continuation rate with 50 mcg at 6 months was only 35.2 per 100 users. With 75 mcg, continuation rate was 24.2 per 100 users at 6 months, indicating the limited usefulness of the method for a national programme.