Related Experiment Videos
Low-dose mifepristone for contraception: a weekly versus planned postcoital randomized pilot study
Emily M Godfrey1, Jacinda T Mawson, Nancy L Stanwood
1Department of Family Medicine, John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County, 1900 W. Polk Street, Room 1352, Chicago, IL, USA. godfreye@sbcglobal.net
Contraception
|June 23, 2004
Summary
Low-dose mifepristone, taken weekly or postcoitally, showed disappointing contraceptive effectiveness in a pilot study. Researchers advise against using this method for pregnancy prevention due to low efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Mifepristone is a medication with potential applications in reproductive health.
- Investigating low-dose, intermittent mifepristone regimens for contraception is of interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the contraceptive efficacy, safety, and side effect profiles of weekly versus planned postcoital low-dose mifepristone regimens.
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of these mifepristone regimens.
Main Methods:
- A randomized pilot study involving 40 participants over 12 months.
- Participants received either 10 mg mifepristone weekly or planned postcoitally (not more than once every 5 days).
- Monthly evaluations included pregnancy testing, ovulation status, and assessment of side effects.
Main Results:
- The study was stopped prematurely due to low contraceptive efficacy.
- Three pregnancies occurred in the weekly group (56 woman-months) and three in the postcoital group (68 woman-months).
- Nearly half of participants ovulated monthly; most found side effects acceptable, but adherence was harder in the postcoital group.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose mifepristone (10 mg) administered weekly or postcoitally demonstrated inadequate contraceptive effectiveness.
- The intermittent use of low-dose mifepristone is not a viable option for pregnancy prevention based on this pilot study's findings.