Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
08:46
Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives
Published on: September 16, 2021
Extended cycle combined hormonal contraception.
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA.
Summary
Extended cycle contraception offers improved efficacy and acceptability compared to traditional methods, with fewer bleeding days and menstrual symptoms. While unscheduled bleeding may occur initially, it typically decreases over time.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Gynecology
- Contraception
Background:
- Traditional oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are widely used but can be associated with cyclic bleeding and associated symptoms.
- Many women desire fewer menstrual bleeding episodes and reduced menstrual symptom severity.
- Extended cycle regimens offer an alternative to traditional cyclic use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the acceptability, efficacy, and safety of extended cycle combined hormonal contraceptive regimens.
- To compare the efficacy of extended cycle regimens with traditional cyclic regimens.
- To highlight the benefits of extended cycle contraception for women.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on extended cycle combined hormonal contraceptive regimens.
- Analysis of data regarding acceptability, efficacy, and safety profiles.
- Comparison of outcomes between extended and cyclic regimens.
Main Results:
- Extended cycle contraception is safe and acceptable, with many women preferring fewer scheduled bleeding episodes.
- These regimens may lead to increased unscheduled bleeding initially, which tends to decrease.
- Women using extended cycles report fewer menstrual symptoms, such as headaches.
Conclusions:
- Extended cycle combined hormonal contraceptives offer improved efficacy and acceptability over traditional cyclic regimens.
- These regimens provide women with more contraceptive options and can enhance overall satisfaction.
- Further research may be needed to recommend specific extended cycle regimens, but they represent a significant advancement in hormonal contraception.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...
01:27Ovarian Cycle
The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
01:22Birth Control Methods
Vasectomy is a surgical form of male sterilization that involves severing and sealing the vasa deferentia, preventing sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation. Because a vasectomy does not impact the testes' ability to produce testosterone, hormone levels, libido, and sexual function generally remain unchanged. While vasectomy is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate near 99.85%, rare cases of recanalization (spontaneous reconnection) can occur. Although vasectomy...
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
01:17Hepatic Drug Excretion: Enterohepatic Cycling
Enterohepatic cycling involves the active secretion of drugs and their metabolites into the bile via transporters in the canalicular membrane of hepatocytes. This secretion is an integral part of the digestive process, releasing these substances into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Post-release drugs and metabolites can be reabsorbed into the body from the intestine. For conjugated metabolites like glucuronides, reabsorption requires enzymatic hydrolysis by intestinal microflora. This...
Post-release drugs and metabolites can be reabsorbed into the body from the intestine. For conjugated metabolites like glucuronides, reabsorption requires enzymatic hydrolysis by intestinal microflora. This...