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THE EVERY-OTHER-DAY PILL

Norgestrel (DL-13β-ethyl-17-ethinyl-17β hydroxy-gon-4-en-3-one) is a potent progestin obtained by total synthesis from non-steroidal precursors (Edgren, Smith, Peterson & Carter, 1963) which has been proved successful as an oral contraceptive (Coutinho & de Souza, 1966). Results of experiments assessing the effectiveness of this compound indicated that the recommended daily dose of 0·5 mg norgestrel plus 0·05 mg ethinyl oestradiol was well in excess of the dose necessary to prevent conception, as the missing of one or even two pills never resulted in pregnancy (Coutinho & de Souza, 1966). As each dose of the combination was apparently effective for at least 48 hr we decided to investigate its contraceptive capabilities when administered on alternate days only.

The new regimen was tested on fifity-one young women of proven fertility and active sexual life for