Extended regimens of the contraceptive vaginal ring: evaluation of clinical aspects.
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 regimens of vaginal contraceptive rings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical symptoms, body weight and blood pressure changes in women using the vaginal ring continuously over a 1-year period.


METHODS
This prospective cohort evaluated clinical aspects (dysmenorrhea, headache, breast tenderness, leg pain and irritability), body weight and blood pressure changes in 75 women (18-37 years of age) using a vaginal ring releasing 120 mcg of etonogestrel and 15 mcg of ethinyl estradiol daily, over a continuous period of 84 days, followed by a 7-day ring-free interval, during 1 year. The chi-square, Wilcoxon and paired t tests were used to analyze differences in the outcomes of interest.


RESULTS
Compared to pre-enrollment status, at the end of the study period, the patients reported significantly less dysmenorrhea and irritability, a nonsignificant decrease in breast tenderness, leg pain and headaches. Blood pressure measurements remained unchanged. Although weight and body mass index increased significantly among users, they remained within the expected biological variation range.


CONCLUSIONS
The vaginal ring used on an extended regimen is a well-tolerated contraceptive method and also offers noncontraceptive benefits.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sao Paulo Federal University Family Planning Clinic/UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brazil.
Fernando Augusto
FA
Barreiros
Cristina Aparecida Falbo
CA
Guazzelli
Ricardo
R
Barbosa
Francisco
F
de Assis
Fábio Fernando
FF
de Araújo
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003274:Contraceptive Devices, Female / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004412:Dysmenorrhea / Q000188:drug therapy; D004967:Estrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000502:physiology
D004967:Estrogens; C044815:etonogestrel; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D017135:Desogestrel