EVALUATION OF THE COMBINED VAGINAL RING (NUVARING): CLINICAL, BIOCHEMICAL AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC STUDY
Yasmin A. Bassiouny, Hisham M. Gouda, Ayman A. Hassan, Sherif S. Zaki, Rana M.A. Abdella
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University
Objective: To evaluate contraceptive efficacy, acceptability, tolerability and adverse effects of NuvaRing. Subjects and Methods: The study included 50 multiparous women with no medical disorders seeking contraception. Women received 13 cycles of treatment with NuvaRing; 3 weeks of continuous use followed by a 1-week ring-free period. Hormonal, hematological and chemical parameters were screened in addition to transvaginal ultrasonography. Evaluation was repeated on the follow up visits 3, 6 and 12 months and after cycle 13. Acceptability and satisfaction were assessed by a 21-item questionnaire. Results: NuvaRing was 100% effective. The ring was generally acceptable with satisfaction rate significantly increasing from 56% after 3 cycles to 74% after 12 cycles (p = 0.008). Partner objection to ring use was the least acceptable issue (62%). At least one adverse event was reported by 22 women (44%) during the 1-year period; the most common events were device-related events (20%), headache, vaginitis, and leukorrhea. NuvaRing had no significant effect on blood glucose levels and liver enzymes with mild changes of lipid profile and coagulation within the clinically accepted range. Hormonal profile indicated inhibition of ovulation. Conclusion: NuvaRing is safe and effective contraceptive with mild tolerable adverse effects and a high degree of user satisfaction.
June 2012