Inhibition of Ovulation in the Human 



233 



pattern of normal cyclic menstruation. Women throughout the world seem 

 to value what they otherwise call "the curse". In Table 10 are shown the 

 mean lengths of cycles recorded in the different areas of the field study where 

 the most numerous observations were made (30). 



Table 10. Fertility Control with Enovid: Mean Menstrual Cycle Lengths (Days) 

 in relation to the number of tablets missed 



We find that the ordinary interval of about 28 days is generally maintained 

 if the patient takes the tablet, as directed, from day 5 through day 24. Those 

 who occasionally omit the tablets, or take them a little longer than prescribed, 

 will menstruate earlier or later, according to the modification of the pre- 

 scribed regimen. This will change the mean cycle lengths. The more the 

 regimen is modified, the greater will be the variation in the mean cycle lengths. 



2. ''Breakthrough bleeding.''' Suppression of ovulation by use of the "pill" 

 under consideration is not completely without minor disturbances. There is 



Table 11. Fertility Control with Enovtd: Incidence of Breakthrough Bleeding 

 AS % OF Total Cycles according to Cycle of Medication 



occasionally slight to moderate pink or red discharge from the endometrium 

 during medication: a little of what we term "breakthrough bleeding" 

 (Table 11). 



