The Effects of a Prostaglandin Inhibitor on Ovulation and the Menstrual Cycle

Currently available methods of emergency contraception (EC) only work during a very narrow time period prior to the hormonal trigger for ovulation or the release of an egg. Women having unprotected sex outside this window receive no benefits from this emergency therapy. Prostaglandins are critical before, during, and after ovulation, thus their inhibition may cause an EC effect that works over a longer time period. We wanted to determine if celecoxib might work as an EC with a wider window of action.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18-35
• Normal menstrual periods (24-35 days)
• Good general health
• Willing to use a non-hormonal form of contraception for the entire study (Acceptable forms of contraception include condoms, spermicide, sexual contact with a sterilized partner, subject is surgically sterile, same-sex partner, Copper IUD and abstinence)
• Willing and able to return to clinic for bi-weekly blood tests

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant or breast feeding
• Polycystic ovarian disease
• Gastrointestinal conditions (i.e.gastric ulcer)
• Currently using birth control
• Known allergy to aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or Sulfa-drugs
• Diabetes
• Cardiac disease or hypertension
• Moderate to severe heartburn (GERD)
• Obesity (BMI greater than 30)