[Progress in combined oral contraception: gestodene, a third generation progestogen]

Gestodene is a new progestogen of the 13-ethyl series. Its novel pharmacological profile (powerful anti-ovulatory and progestomimetic activities, low androgenic activity) means that it can be suggested for use in very low doses in combination with ethinyl estradiol. Studies carried out using a three-stage combination containing Gestodene (Phaeva) have failed to demonstrate any detrimental effect on either lipid or carbohydrate metabolism. The results confirm the advantage of using this third generation progestogen over the very long term.