Objective: This was the first Indian multicenter study at six specialty hospitals, to assess the real-life usage of the vaginal ring in daily clinical practice.
Methods: This open-label, prospective, single-arm, nonrandomized, interventional study enrolled 252 women aged >18 years, seeking contraception with no contraindications to the use of combined hormonal contraceptive. Women were provided the ring with a monthly follow-up schedule for three cycles. Cycle control, acceptability, tolerability, and safety assessments were recorded at each visit.
Results: Regular menstrual bleeding was reported by 76.2 % (192/252) at baseline. In study completers, regular bleeding was seen in 94.1 % (192/204), 97.5 % (199/204), and 98 % (200/204) in the 1st, the 2nd, and the 3rd cycles, respectively. Most (94.2 % [195/207]) women were very satisfied or satisfied with the ring, and 93.2 % (193/207) would recommend it to others. No pregnancies or serious adverse events were reported.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated that NuvaRing(®) is a highly effective contraceptive method with an excellent cycle control. It is well tolerated and accepted by Indian women.
Keywords: Acceptability; Contraceptive; Cycle control; Efficacy; NuvaRing®.