RESUMEN
PIP: The compatibility of oral contraceptives with antitubercular chemotherapy and the effect of the contraceptives on regression of the tubercular lesions were studied in 100 16-40 year old female patients with bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis. Each patient was living with her husband and had 1 or more living children. Antitubercular treatment was given similarly to all. Half of the patients were also given Ovulen therapy. Of the 100 who started, 41 of those using Ovulen and 42 of the others completed the investigation. A patient in each group died of tuberculosis during the study. The overall antitubercular efficacy was similar in the 2 groups at the end of 1 year. Side effects from the oral contraceptive were minimal and caused no withdrawals. Menstrual abnormalities were improved in those taking the Ovulen. Weight gain was about twice as much and hemoglobin increased 3 times as much in the oral contraceptive users. A pregnancy occurred in the group taking the contraceptive; there were 4 pregnancies in the other group. Some early increases in blood pressures were found in the contraceptive users. It is concluded that oral contraceptives in female tuberculosis patients are compatible with antituberculosis drugs. Also, overall progress was improved by the therapy and a greater sense of well-being expressed.^ieng