Competitive progesterone antagonists, including two novel steroids, viz.,
11.beta.,19-[4-(cyanophenyl)-o-phenylene]-17.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-(3-hy
droxyprop-1(Z)-enyl)-4-androsten-3-one and
11.beta.,19-[4-(3-pyridinyl)-o-phenylene]-17.beta.-hydroxy-17.alpha.-(3-hy
droxyprop-1(Z)-enyl)-4-androsten-3-one, inhibit formation of endometrial
glands at below their ovulation inhibiting dose and the abortive dose, and
thus achieve oral contraception in females without adversely affecting the
menstrual cycle and without risk of aborting a previous implanted
fertilized egg or a fetus.
