title: Serum Folate and Cobalamin Levels in Women Using Combined Contraceptive Vaginal Ring.
abstract: Purpose:The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of combined contraceptive vaginal rings on serum concentrations of folate and cobalamin in healthy users.Material and Methods:Case-control study on cobalamin and folate status of 45 healthy female nulligravidae using a combined contraceptive vaginal ring for > 3 months and 45 healthy controls. Factors interfering with vitamin metabolism were thoroughly controlled.Results:Cobalamin and folate levels did not differ between the groups. Vegetarian diet, smoking or obesity did not have a significant influence.Conclusions:The use of a combined contraceptive vaginal ring provides an appropriate hormonal contraception in women with pre-existing cobalamin deficiency or restrictive diet habit in order to avoid interferences between vitamin B12metabolism and exogenously applied estrogens.
authors.affiliation: Gynecological private practice, Viernheim.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bussen
authors.affiliation: Gynecological private practice, Viernheim.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bussen
keywords: combined contraceptive vaginal ring; folate; hormonal contraceptives; vitamin B12