Adolescent experiences with the vaginal ring.
OBJECTIVE
To understand racial/ethnic minority adolescent females' experiences with the vaginal ring.


METHODS
We conducted in-depth interviews with a clinic-based sample of 32 young women aged 15-24 years who had used the vaginal ring.


RESULTS
Qualitative analysis using grounded theory revealed that adolescents undergo a multi-stage process when trying the ring and adopting ring use. These stages include hearing about the ring, initial reactions, first experiences with insertion and removal, and first sexual experiences. Adolescents subsequently enter an assessment and adjustment stage in which they decide whether to adopt or discontinue ring use. Ultimately they share their experiences with friends.


CONCLUSIONS
The model developed provides a context within which providers may advise adolescents as they begin use of the ring. Some specific recommendations are offered.
University of California Berkeley-University of California at San Francisco Joint Medical Program, Berkeley, California, USA. Laura.Epstein@ucsf.edu
Laura B
LB
Epstein
Karen
K
Sokal-Gutierrez
Susan L
SL
Ivey
Tina
T
Raine
Colette
C
Auerswald
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D000328:Adult; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003274:Contraceptive Devices, Female; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D018456:Reproductive Medicine; D012495:San Francisco; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*