Yasmin (Schering AG, Berlin, Germany), a new
oral contraceptive containing 30 microg ethinylestradiol combined with 3 mg
drospirenone, effectively inhibits ovulation, as demonstrated by measurement of plasma
hormone levels (
follicle stimulating hormone,
luteinizing hormone,
estradiol and
progesterone), and echographic evaluation of follicular ripening. Like other
low-dose oral contraceptives, the combination of ethinylestradiol and
drospirenone markedly limits cervical function, spinnbarkeit and degree of crystallization, resulting in a hostile environment for sperm penetration. Two large, randomized, multicenter, open-label clinical studies have compared the
contraceptive efficacy of ethinylestradiol/
drospirenone with that of
Marvelon, a well-established
contraceptive containing 30 microg ethinylestradiol plus 150 microg
desogestrel. Both preparations provided effective
contraception and good cycle control. There were no negative effects on
hemostatic parameters,
lipids and carbohydrate metabolism. However, in both studies, ethinylestradiol/
drospirenone had a more favorable effect on
body weight than ethinylestradiol/
desogestrel, with mean
body weight remaining lower in the ethinylestradiol/
drospirenone group, the difference between the two preparations being statistically significant. Pre-existing
acne and
seborrhea were improved by ethinylestradiol/
drospirenone and blood pressure was essentially unchanged. These studies show that ethinylestradiol/
drospirenone provides effective oral
contraception, excellent cycle control and good tolerability, with effects on
body weight and skin condition that are likely to confer a significant beneficial effect on compliance, especially in women with a tendency to
gain weight under
oral contraceptives due to water retention.