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Related Experiment Videos

Biphasic versus triphasic oral contraceptives for contraception.

Hubertus A A M van Vliet1, David A Grimes, Frans M Helmerhorst

  • 1Family Health International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.

Contraception
|June 12, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Biphasic oral contraceptives showed similar side effect discontinuation rates to triphasic pills. However, one study indicated biphasic pills may offer inferior cycle control compared to certain triphasic formulations.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Health
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Oral contraceptives are widely used for pregnancy prevention.
  • Side effects, such as breakthrough bleeding, can negatively impact adherence and continuation rates.
  • Phasic oral contraceptive regimens (biphasic vs. triphasic) are designed to optimize efficacy and tolerability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and compare biphasic versus triphasic oral contraceptives.
  • To evaluate differences in efficacy, cycle control, and discontinuation due to side effects.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
  • Included trials compared biphasic oral contraceptives with triphasic oral contraceptives for pregnancy prevention.

Main Results:

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  • Only two low-quality trials met inclusion criteria.
  • No significant differences in discontinuation due to medical problems were found between biphasic and triphasic pills in one trial.
  • One trial suggested biphasic norethindrone pills had inferior cycle control compared to a levonorgestrel triphasic pill.

Conclusions:

  • Limited, poor-quality evidence exists comparing biphasic and triphasic oral contraceptives.
  • The choice of progestin may be more influential than the phasic regimen in determining bleeding patterns.
  • Further high-quality research is needed to definitively compare these formulations.