title: Extended regimens of the vaginal contraceptive ring: cycle control.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Oral contraceptives used for extended periods of time have been extensively studied because of their potential benefits; however, there have been few publications on extended regimen of vaginal rings. The aim of this study was to compare the bleeding patterns of women using extended regimens of the vaginal ring or oral contraceptives.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective cohort involving 150 women: 75 used vaginal rings that release 120 mcg of etonogestrel and 15 mcg of ethinyl estradiol daily, and 75 took oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol 0.3 mcg and desogestrel 150 mcg. Both groups used their respective contraceptive method over continuous periods of 84 days, followed by a 7-day pause, during 1 year.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total number of scheduled bleeding and spotting days decreased significantly during the 1-year period of the study for both methods (p=.001), and this decrease was significantly higher for oral contraceptive users. Similarly, during the study period, there was a significant reduction in the total number of unscheduled bleeding and spotting days for both methods (p=.01), but this decrease was significantly higher among vaginal ring users (p=.003).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vaginal ring used on an extended regimen is a contraceptive method that offers good cycle control.
authors.affiliation: Family Planning Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Sao Paulo Federal University, Bairro Jardim, São Paulo CEP 09090-050, Brazil. c.guazzelli@uol.com.br
authors.forename: Cristina Aparecida Falbo
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Guazzelli
authors.forename: Fernando Augusto
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Barreiros
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Barbosa
authors.forename: Fábio Fernando
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: de Araújo
authors.forename: Antonio Fernandes
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Moron
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003274:Contraceptive Devices, Female / Q000009:adverse effects; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000187:drug effects*; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000139:chemically induced; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; C044815:etonogestrel; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D017135:Desogestrel