Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and acceptability of compound norgestrel and compound levonorgestrel. Methods:
Refer to 'Introduction of Methodology of Systematic Review of Commonly Used Oral Contraceptives and IUDs in China'
. Results: A total of 26 papers were identified, 17 of which were included. In one randomized clinical trial, compared with compound norgestrel, compound levonorgestrel had significantly lower adjusted Pearl Index, and significantly higher 1-year continuation rate (P<0.05). Other studies showed that the 1-year failure rates of compound norgestrel were about 2 per 100 women. Incidences of increased leucorrhea were over 50% in most of included papers. No data were available on the association of once-a-month pills with thromboembolism, stroke or myocardial infarction. Conclusion: Based on the available data, the efficacy of once-a-month pills was lower than that of other long-term hormonal contraceptives, or daily pills which were used correctly and consistently. It is recommended that the National Population and Family Planning Commission should no longer provide once-a-month pills.