Acceptability of NuvaRing in young women
M. Nap (1), D. Apter (2), L. Tuomivaara (3)
Medical Services, NV Organon, Oss, The Netherlands (1); Sexual Health
Clinic, Väestöliitto, Helsinki, Finland (2); Väestöliitto, Oulu, Finland (3)
Introduction: The once-a-month contraceptive NuvaRing has been shown
to be an effective method with excellent cycle control and a favourable
tolerability profile (Roumen et al. Hum Reprod 2001; 16: 469–75). During such
studies, women (aged 18–40) also rated NuvaRing as a highly acceptable method
of contraception that they would recommend to others. The aim of this trial was
to assess whether NuvaRing was acceptable to younger women (aged 16–18), as
approximately half of this age group in Finland use oral contraceptives (OCs).
Design and methods: Due to recruitment issues (parents were informed
of subjects’ participation in the trial), only 21 of the intended 125 women
were enrolled (mean age 17.6+0.7 years) in this non-comparative trial.
Women were treated with NuvaRing for up to 6 cycles (comprising 3 weeks of ring
use and a 1-week ring-free period). Information on cycle-related characteristics,
acceptability and tolerability was gathered at baseline and after cycles 1, 3
and 6.
Results: Eight women discontinued the trial: five were lost to follow
up, one had no further need for contraception, one suffered a migraine (reported
as a serious adverse event) and one withdrew because the ring was uncomfortable.
No pregnancies were reported during the trial. Menstrual period length did not
change in >75% of subjects, and >75% reported similar or less menstrual
pain with ring use. Prior to the study, most (65%) subjects had used an OC as
their last method of contraception and most subjects rated OCs as the best
method of contraception. At cycle 6, subjects frequently (31%) or always (69%)
found the ring easy to insert, and frequently (23%) or always (77%) found it
easy to remove. By cycle 6, most subjects said that they (54%) and their
partners (69%) never or rarely felt the ring during intercourse and 77% of
partners never or rarely minded the subjects using the ring. At cycles 3 and 6,
all subjects were satisfied (46–54%) or very satisfied (50–53%) with the
ring and all (100%) would recommend the method to others. The most popular
reasons for liking the ring at cycles 3 and 6 were ‘do not have to remember
anything’ (>50%) and ‘easy to use’ (415%). Ten subjects (77%) rated
NuvaRing as the best method of contraception at cycle 6. NuvaRing was well
tolerated and no clinically relevant changes in blood pressure or body weight
were observed. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded in 11 (52%) subjects with two
(10%) having treatment-related AEs.
Conclusions: These results show that NuvaRing was effective and well
tolerated in younger women who found this a convenient and easy to use
contraceptive method. Thus, NuvaRing is a viable contraceptive method for women
of all ages, including young women.
