The place of the three-phase combined oral ethinyl estradioland desogestrel-based contraceptive in modern obstetrician-gynecologist practice
https://doi.org/10.17749/2313-7347/ob.gyn.rep.2026.719
Abstract
This article presents general information on demographic processes in Russia and the relevance of using highly effective contraception methods particularly combined oral contraceptives (COCs), to prevent artificial abortions. The importance of high-quality counseling for prescribing estrogen-progestogen medications is emphasized. Clinical situations for the preferential choice of a three-phase combined ethinyl estradioland desogestrel-based contraceptive are described.
Keywords
combined oral contraceptives,
COCs,
counseling,
three-phase combined ethinyl estradioland desogestrelbased hormonal contraceptive
Supporting agencies: The authors declare no funding
About the Authors
N. V. Aganezova
North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Natalia V. Aganezova - MD, Dr Sci Med, Prof.
41 Kirochnaya Str., Saint Petersburg 191015
S. S. Aganezov
North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sergey S. Aganezov - MD, PhD.
41 Kirochnaya Str., Saint Petersburg 191015
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What is already known about this subject?
► Three-phase combined oral contraceptive (СОС) containing ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel (EE/DSG) is a highly effective low-dose combined contraceptive.
► Few adverse events have been reported upon using three-phase EE/DSG-based COC.
► Three-phase EE/DSG-based exerts additional positive effect by improving skin condition, associated with weakening of the androgenic effect.
What are the new findings?
► Clinical situations coupled to priority choice of a three-phase EE/DSG-based COC are systematized, with new data on cycle control related to it are presented.
► For the first time, a review with references to relevant studies presents information on the lack of influence of a three-phase COC with EE/DSG on myomatous nodes with a diameter of up to 22 mm in comparison with monophasic СОС.
► For the first time, the review citing relevant studies presents information on improving the quality of life upon using a three-phase EE/DSG-based COC in women with uterine fibroids without indications for surgical treatment.
How might it impact on clinical practice in the foreseeable future?
► Optimizing patient contraception counseling.
► Improving personalized choice of COCs in various clinical situations.
Review
For citations:
Aganezova N.V., Aganezov S.S. The place of the three-phase combined oral ethinyl estradioland desogestrel-based contraceptive in modern obstetrician-gynecologist practice. Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction. 2026;20(1):158-167. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.17749/2313-7347/ob.gyn.rep.2026.719
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