Last update April 28, 2026

Ethinylestradiol + Etonogestrel

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

Estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestogen (etonogestrel) combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) in the form of a vaginal ring (3 of every 4 weeks).

For a detailed discussion with references:

  • on why non-hormonal methods are the first choice during the first 4–6 weeks postpartum, followed by IUDs and progestin implants,
  • on the potential problems associated with the use of combined estrogen-progestin contraceptives,
  • the possible decrease in milk production with estrogen use,
  • and why progestin-only contraceptives are preferable during breastfeeding,

see below: “(Combined Estrogen + Progestin Contraceptives, COCs)”

ETHINYLESTRADIOL is a synthetic estrogen that has a similar action as estradiol. 

Its pharmacokinetic data (high percentage of protein binding and very wide volume of distribution) explain the negligible or null passage into breast milk observed. (Segev 2025, Betrabet 1986, Nilsson 1978)

ETONOGESTREL i a progestin, active metabolite of desogestrel. 

Etonogestrel and progestins in general are considered the contraceptives of choice during breastfeeding because they are not significantly excreted in breast milk, do not alter the quantity or composition of breast milk, do not cause side effects, and do not affect the growth and development of infants or the duration of breastfeeding. These details, along with references, can be found below under “Etonogestrel”

American Academy of Paediatrics: COCs are usually compatible with breastfeeding. (AAP 2001)


See below the information of these related products:

Alternatives

  • Desogestrel (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)
  • Etonogestrel (Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.)

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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Other names

Ethinylestradiol + Etonogestrel is also known as


Ethinylestradiol + Etonogestrel in other languages or writings:

Group

Ethinylestradiol + Etonogestrel belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Ethinylestradiol + Etonogestrel in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 40 - 60 / %
Molecular weight 299 / 325 daltons
Protein Binding 99 / 96 - 99 %
VD 5 / 3.1 l/Kg
Tmax 2 / 200 hours
T½ 18 / 25 hours
M/P ratio 0.3 / 0.5 -
Theoretical Dose 0.000045 / 0.00003 mg/Kg/d
Relative Dose 0 / 2.2 %

References

  1. Segev L, Ben Zimra A, Weitzman GA, Bloch N, Pitussi I, Alkhazov T, Kogan NM, Peleg D, Samson AO, Ben Shachar I. Ethinylestradiol Transfer into Breast Milk of Women Using Low-Dose Combined Hormonal Contraception Is Negligible. Open Access J Contracept. 2025 Dec 10;16:189-197. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  2. AAP - American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs. Transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk. Pediatrics. 2001 Sep;108(3):776-89. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Betrabet SS, Shikary ZK, Toddywalla VS, Patel D, Vaidya P, Saxena BN. ICMR Task Force Study on hormonal contraception. Biological activity of ethinyl estradiol present in the breast milk. Contraception. 1986 Abstract
  4. Nilsson S, Mellbin T, Hofvander Y, Sundelin C, Valentin J, Nygren KG. Long-term follow-up of children breast-fed by mothers using oral contraceptives. Contraception. 1986 Abstract

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