Human Reproduction, Vol. 16, No. 11, 2288-2294,
November 2001
© 2001 European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology
A prospective study evidencing rhinomanometric and olfactometric outcomes in women taking oral contraceptives
1 Department of Microbiological Science and Gynaecological Science, 2 Research Group for Sexology, Section of Dept for Gynaecological Science, and 3 Institute of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the changes in olfactory sensitivity of oral contraceptive (pill) users. METHODS: Sixty women underwent rhinomanometric and olfactometric determinations during the follicular, periovular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, and at day 7, 14 and 21 of contraceptive intake. Thirty-one women used 30 µg ethinyl oestradiol plus 75 µg gestodene and 29 women used 20 µg ethinyl oestradiol plus 150 µg desogestrel. RESULTS: Rhinomanometry showed higher but not statistically significant values during the periovular phase than in the follicular and luteal phases. Olfactometry showed a higher sensitivity during the follicular and periovular phases than during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The rhinomanometric surveys in pill users were statistically different from those of the luteal phase (P < 0.02) and the follicular and periovular phases (P < 0.001). The olfactometric thresholds during the period of contraceptive use were statistically different from those of the follicular phase for a few odorous substances, and from those of the periovular phase for each odorous substance, but similar to those of the luteal phase (P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: Unlike the rhinomanometric airflow and trans-nasal pressure, the olfactory threshold to odours seems to depend on the variations of the ovarian steroids during the menstrual cycle and on the iatrogenic effects of oral contraceptives.
Key words: menstrual cycle/olfactometry/oral contraceptives/rhinomanometry
4 To whom correspondence should be addressed at: Department of Gynaecological Science, Ospedale S. Bambino, Via Torre del Vescovo, 95124 Catania, Italy. E-mail: scaruso{at}mbox.unict.it
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