Use of the novel combined contraceptive vaginal ring NuvaRing for ovulation inhibition.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of the combined contraceptive vaginal ring NuvaRing on ovarian function.


METHODS
Randomized, open-label, crossover study.


METHODS
Clinical pharmacology unit.


METHODS
Sixteen healthy female volunteers.


METHODS
Group 1: one cycle of combined oral contraceptive containing desogestrel (150 microg) and ethinyl estradiol (30 microg) (desogestrel/EE COC), followed by a NuvaRing treatment period. Group 2: NuvaRing treatment period followed by a cycle of desogestrel/EE COC.


METHODS
Follicular diameter, serum hormone concentrations (follicle-stimulating hormone, 17beta estradiol, luteinizing hormone, and progesterone), and endometrial thickness.


RESULTS
NuvaRing use for the recommended period of 3 weeks resulted in complete inhibition of ovulation, as assessed by vaginal ultrasound (follicular diameter) and by serum luteinizing hormone and progesterone concentrations. Inhibition of ovulation was maintained for an additional 2 weeks of NuvaRing use. Ovarian suppression between the groups was comparable. Furthermore, ovarian suppression after 3 weeks of NuvaRing use was comparable to that on day 21 of DGS/EE COC intake. NuvaRing was well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
NuvaRing completely inhibited ovulation throughout the normal 3-week period and the extended period of use. Ovarian suppression was comparable to that with desogestrel/EE COC.
Mulders
T M
TM
NV Organon, Oss, The Netherlands.
Dieben
T O
TO
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003274:Contraceptive Devices, Female; D003280:Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D045166:Estradiol Congeners / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014753:Vinyl Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*
D003280:Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic; D045166:Estradiol Congeners; D014753:Vinyl Compounds; C044815:etonogestrel; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D011374:Progesterone; D017135:Desogestrel; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone