The sensitivity of low-dose oral contraceptives in differentiating endometriosis in patients with pelvic pain

We evaluated the effects of low-dose oral contraceptive (Desolett) in the management of pelvic pain, and its sensitivity in differentiating organic disorders such as endometriosis, in 96 women who were followed for at least 4 to 6 months. The 67 who still complained of pelvic pain with no improvement in severity, or who reported increase in symptoms after 4 to 6 months were examined by laparoscopy. All patients underwent laparoscopy in the follicular phase, under general anesthesia with the three-puncture technique. Fifty-six women (83.6%) were diagnosed as having endometriosis, 19 stage 1, 31 stage 2, and 6 stage 3 disease (American Fertility Society classification). Six (9%) had moderate to severe pelvic adhesions (2 Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome) with no endometriotic implants. One (1.5%) had Taylor syndrome, and the others (6%) were free of disease. Unresponsiveness to low-dose oral contraceptives at the end of 4 to 6 months was highly sensitive and predictive of organic pelvic disorders such as endometriosis as the cause of pelvic pain. Therefore, we conclude that this therapy is effective in evaluating and treating women with obscure findings for particular disorders. In addition to managing mild to moderate endometriosis, it is effective in reducing the severity of midline pelvic pain of uterine origin, which may be of further benefit in pelvic pain of obscure etiology. Finally, a trial of oral contraceptives may be used as initial screening in women with chronic pelvic pain to reduce the number of unnecessary diagnostic and surgical interventions.