Inclusion Criteria:

• Sexually active women, at risk for pregnancy and not planning to use condoms;
• Women in need for contraception and willing to use an OC for 12 months (13 cycles);
• At least 18 but not older than 50 years of age at the time of screening;
• Body mass index = 17 and = 35;
• Good physical and mental health;
• Willing to give informed consent in writing

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contraindications for contraceptive steroids
• In accordance with the SmPC/Package Insert of DRSP-EE, additional contraindications related to the antimineralocorticoid activity of drospirenone (conditions that predispose to hyperkalemia):
• Renal insufficiency;
• Hepatic dysfunction;
• Adrenal insufficiency.
• An abnormal cervical smear (i.e.: dysplasia, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN], SIL, carcinoma in situ, invasive carcinoma) at screening;
• Clinically relevant abnormal laboratory result at screening as judged by the investigator;
• Use of an injectable hormonal method of contraception; within 6 months of an injection with a 3-month duration, within 4 months of an injection with a 2-month duration, within 2 months of an injection with a 1-month duration;
• Before spontaneous menstruation has occurred following a delivery or abortion;
• Breastfeeding or within 2 months after stopping breastfeeding prior to the start of trial medication;
• Present use or use within 2 months prior to the start of the trial medication of the following drugs: phenytoin, barbiturates, primidone, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, felbamate, rifampicin, nelfinavir, ritonavir, griseofulvin, ketoconazole, sex steroids (other than pre- and posttreatment contraceptive method) and herbal remedies containing Hypericum perforatum (St John's Wort);
• Administration of investigational drugs and/or participation in another clinical trial within 2 months prior to the start of the trial medication or during the trial period