Fertilisation and implantation failure in an oral contraceptive user

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2002 Aug 5;104(1):73-5. doi: 10.1016/s0301-2115(02)00054-4.

Abstract

We report the case of a young woman taking a low-dose oral contraceptive (gestodene 0.075mg and ethinylestradiol 0.02mg) in whom we documented by both hormonal assays and sonographic evaluations the occurrence of ovulation, oocyte fertilization and embryo implantation. However, the implantation process did not complete and only a biochemical pregnancy was registered. On the basis of known actions of estroprogestin on endometrium that are not conducive to implantation, it is possible that the pregnancy loss was originated by oral contraceptive's hormonal influence at endometrial level.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous
  • Adult
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / blood
  • Contraceptives, Oral / adverse effects*
  • Embryo Implantation / drug effects*
  • Endometrium / diagnostic imaging
  • Ethinyl Estradiol / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Norpregnenes / adverse effects
  • Ovulation
  • Pregnancy
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human
  • Contraceptives, Oral
  • Norpregnenes
  • Gestodene
  • Ethinyl Estradiol