A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparison of the impact of low-dose and triphasic oral contraceptives on follicular development.
OBJECTIVE: This investigation tests the hypothesis that triphasic oral contraceptives are associated with the development of large, persistent ovarian cysts. STUDY DESIGN: Weekly vaginal ultrasonography was used in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, single-center study that compared the incidence, risk, size, and time to resolution of ovarian follicles in healthy women who took Estrostep or Loestrin oral contraceptives (manufactured by Parke-Davis) or a placebo during three consecutive menstrual cycles. RESULTS: Sixty-three percent of placebo-treated subjects developed follicles greater than 18 mm, compared with 39% and 23% in the Estrostep and Loestrin groups. The risks for each group of developing a large follicle during a single cycle were not different. No dominant follicle persisted for greater than 2 weeks for any subject. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that follicular development continues during treatment with oral contraceptives. In addition, the findings fail to support the hypothesis that triphasic oral contraceptives result in persistent ovarian cysts.