Comparative effectiveness and safety of different progestins in combined oral contraceptives: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) compares four progestins-gestodene (GSD), desogestrel (DSG), drospirenone (DRSP), and levonorgestrel (LNG)-in combined oral contraceptives (COCs) regarding safety, and efficacy for personalized contraceptive selection.

Methods

This systematic review, which searched PubMed, Cochrane, Embase and Medline through Jan 28, 2025, to identify published and unpublished randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We assessed the certainty of evidence using the confidence in network meta-analysis (CINeMA) framework. We estimated summary standardised mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios (ORs) using NMA with random effects by STATA and GeMTC software. The outcomes included breakthrough bleeding (BTB), irregular bleeding (IB), wit

SUBMITTER: Li B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12334503 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature