Vaginal administration of a combined oral contraceptive containing norethisterone acetate.

The effects of vaginal administration of an oral contraceptive pill containing 1 mg of norethisterone acetate and 0.05 mg of ethinyl oestradiol were studied in 20 subjects for a total of 57 cycles. The results show effective ovulation suppression in the two dose regimens used. The lower dose regimen was associated with fewer side effects and no breakthrough bleeding. No significant change was observed in the serum concentration of glucose, total proteins, albumin, cholesterol and HDL after several cycles of treatment in both dose regimens used. It is concluded that vaginal administration of this preparation of oral contraceptives is an effective alternative method of hormonal contraception.