Aim: We assessed bleeding
pattern, tolerance and patient satisfaction of an oral contraceptive
containing 3 mg drospirenone and 30 mcg ethinyl
estradiol (DRSP/EE) under real-life conditions. Study Design: We performed a multicenter, prospective,
6-cycle, observational study in Canada, Europe and the Middle East. Detailed
analyses of the three Middle East countries, Jordan, Lebanon andSyriawere
presented here. The efficacy variables included an assessment of bleeding
patterns, premenstrual symptoms of water retention and patient satisfaction,
as determined by a visual analogue scale. Results:
A total of 914 women were enrolled. The percentage of women with intermenstrual
bleeding decreased from 37.4%,
48.7% and 32.2% at baseline to 9.7%, 6.1% and 10.9% at the end of cycle6 inJordan, Lebanon and Syria, respectively
(<0.0001). Also, the percentage of women with dysmenorrea decreased sharply in all three countries (p < 0.0001). Amenorrhea decreased significantly in Lebanon and Syria (p < 0.005).
In addition, signs of water retention like abdominal bloating, breast tenderness
and swelling of extremities decreased significantly over the course of 6
treatment cycles (p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction increased for all
investigated items. Upon completion of the study, 82.7% of women answered “Yes”
to continue treatment with this oral contraceptive. Conclusion: The oral contraceptive
containing 3 mg drospirenone and 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol has beneficial
effects on bleeding pattern, symptoms of water retention and patient satisfaction.