ABSTRACT
PIP: This study attempts to assess the long-term effects of oral contraceptives on Asian women. At the Family Planning Clinic, Siniray Hospital, Thailand, 181 of the more than 800 women who had used oral contraceptives for more than 4 years prior to May 31, 1971, were studied. All had completed premedical examinations before beginning the drugs. In addition to being studied for changes in body weight, blood pressure, hematocrit, liver function, thyroid function, oral glucose tolerance, and blood urea nitrogen, they were interviewed on their experience with oral contraception. Most were between ages 25-29 years, had only primary education, were housewives, and more than half were in the lower income group. Living children ranged from 1 to 10 with 52.5% having 4 or more. They had been started on a variety or oral contraceptives but in the last 2 years all were given Ovral (norgestrel .5 mg with ethinyl estradiol .05 mg). A total of 10,830 cycles were recorded. Only 9 requested anotehr method. Culdoscopic tubal sterilization was done on 6 and 3 discontinued because they wanted to get pregnant. All had heard rumors of adverse effects but few believed them because 89.3% had no adverse effects. 81.2% said they were in better physical and mental condition because of absence of pregnancy and a majority reported better socioeconomic status. Neurotic complaints were noted in 6.1%. Libido was unchanged in a majority, decreased in a few, but rarely increased. Weight gain of 2.5 kg or more was present in 68%. Slight increase in blood pressure was noted in 17.1%, mostly in those starting with increased pressure. Hematocrit values changed only slightly may have been due to other causes. Liver function tests showed prolonged bromsulphthalein retention in a considerable number. Thyroid function tests were normal except for increased TBG level in 17.8%. Carbohydrate metabolism remained normal in all but a few. Pretreatment glucose tolerance tests not been recorded. Normal findings were also recorded for blood urea nitrogen, Papanicolaou smears, and breast examinations. The combination therapy appears to be safe for at least 4 or 5 years.^ieng
