ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine the effects of a monophasic oral contraceptive containing 30[Mmicro]g ethinyl estradiol and 150[micro]g desogestrel [Marvelon] on serum concentration of triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, and lipoprotein cholesterol fractions in 50 Sudanese women aged 18-30 years. Six treatment cycles were compared with the cycle prior to the first treatment cycle [pretreatment cycle]. Serum concentration of the studied lipid parameters increased progressively. Increase in serum concentration of triacylglycerols, high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol [VLDL-C] was not statistically significant [P>0.05] after the last treatment cycle, when compared with the pretreatment cycle. Increase in serum concentration of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] was statistically significant [P<0.05]. HDL-C/LDL-C ratio decreased non significantly after the last treatment cycle. Marvelon showed high effectiveness as a contraceptive agent, exhibited better cycle control. Menstrual complaints were minor. Reported side effects tended to subside by the last treatment cycle