Vaginal contraception: a roadmap to women's reproductive autonomy-a narrative review

The right to contraception information and services is one of the essential rights of every woman that guarantees access to safe, acceptable, available, and good-quality contraceptives. Contraceptive vaginal rings are a form of modern contraceptive that is user-friendly, effective, and safe to use. The present review briefs about the contraceptive vaginal ring, its composition, mechanism of action, advantages, disadvantages, and newer development of rings with added benefits. Methodology: The recent literature till December 2021 was searched from the various governmental, and non-governmental agencies including WHO, UNFPA, UNDP, UNDESA, Committee on the Rights of the Child, FDA, and many English peer-reviewed journals, including PubMed database, the regional portal of virtual health library, and scientific electronic library online using following search terms 搈odern contraception�, 揷ontraceptive vaginal ring�, and 搉ewer vaginal rings�. The contraceptive vaginal ring has emerged as an effective, safe, self-administered form of modern contraceptive, with better cycle control, compliance, and continuation rates.

Anillo vaginal anticonceptivo (MyRing®): estudio multicéntrico en mujeres venezolanas / Contraceptive vaginal ring (MyRing®): multicenter study in Venezuelan women

Objetivo: Evaluar los factores asociados al uso del anillo vaginal en mujeres venezolanas en edad reproductiva, con deseo de anticoncepción y con vida sexual activa. Métodos: Estudio observacional - descriptivo, multicéntrico. La muestra fue de tipo no probabilística, deliberada y de voluntarias. Se les proporcionó el anillo vaginal por tres ciclos y las consultas de seguimiento se realizaron al final del primer y tercer ciclo menstrual. Se evaluó la aceptabilidad, tolerabilidad, cumplimiento, control de ciclo menstrual y la presencia de efectos adversos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 140 mujeres, con edad promedio de 31,01 años ± 8,14. Los motivos de selección del anillo vaginal fueron: evita embarazo de manera efectiva (69,29 %), fácil de usar (68,57 %), uso mensual (65,71 %). El patrón de sangrado fue reportado como regular en 95 % de las mujeres en la segunda consulta y en 92,8 % en la tercera; 88,57 % reportó ausencia de sangrado intermenstrual. Hubo cumplimiento adecuado en 97,86 %; 96,43 % expresó que era fácil de usarlo y 92,86 % comodidad a nivel sexual. No hubo diferencias estadísticas significativas en el peso promedio en la segunda y tercera consulta (p > 0,05), ni en la tensión arterial sistólica y diastólica (p > 0,05). No hubo eventos adversos en 77 %, cuando los hubo, los más frecuentes fueron cefalea, náuseas y mastodinia; no hubo eventos adversos serios, ni embarazo. Conclusión: El anillo vaginal anticonceptivo es una opción bien tolerada con excelente aceptación, satisfacción sexual y general, segura, con escasos eventos adversos(AU)

Objective: To evaluate the factors associated with the use of the vaginal ring in Venezuelan women of reproductive age, with a desire for contraception and with an active sexual life. Methods: Observational - descriptive, multicenter study. The sample was non-probabilistic, deliberate and voluntary. The vaginal ring was provided for three cycles and follow-up visits were made at the end of the first and third menstrual cycles. Acceptability, tolerability, compliance, menstrual cycle control, and the presence of adverse effects were evaluated. Results: A total of 140 women were included, whose mean age was 31.01 ± 8.14 years. The reasons for selecting the vaginal ring were: effectively prevents pregnancy (69.29 %), easy to use (68.57 %), method of monthly use (65.71 %). The bleeding pattern was reported as regular in 95% of the women in the second consultation and in 92.8% in the third; 88.57% reported absence of intermenstrual bleeding. There was adequate compliance in 97.86%; 96.43% expressed that it was easy to use and 92.86% comfortable at a sexual level. There were no statistically significant differences in the average weight at the second and third consultation (p > 0.05), nor in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p > 0.05). There were no adverse events in 77%, when there were, the most frequent were headache, nausea and mastodynia; there were no serious adverse events or pregnancy. Conclusion: The contraceptive vaginal ring is a well-tolerated option with excellent acceptance, sexual and general satisfaction, safe, with few adverse events(AU)

El anillo vaginal de progesterona como soporte de la fase lútea en fertilización in vitro

Objetivo. Comparar la efectividad del anillo vaginal y las cápsulas vaginales de progesterona en el soporte de la fase lútea en procedimientos de fertilización in vitro. Métodos. Estudio retrospectivo que evaluó los resultados de embarazo en mujeres receptoras de embriones logrados de donación de ambos gametos al comparar la efectividad del anillo vaginal y las cápsulas vaginales de progesterona en el soporte de la fase lútea en procedimientos de fertilización in vitro. Resultados. 38 mujeres usaron el anillo vaginal y 46 aplicaron las cápsulas vaginales como soporte de la fase lútea. Se halló tasas similares de implantación (36,5% versus 36,9%), embarazo clínico (52,6% versus 50,0%) y nacido vivo (50,0% versus 45,7%). Conclusiones. Se halló tasas similares de implantación, embarazo clínico y nacido vivo con el empleo del anillo vaginal y las cápsulas vaginales de progesterona en el soporte de la fase lútea en procedimientos de fertilización in vitro. Debido a la comodidad de su uso y a las adecuadas tasas de embarazo, el anillo vaginal de progesterona se constituye como una alternativa importante en el soporte de la fase lútea en la fertilización in vitro.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of the vaginal ring and vaginal progesterone capsules in supporting the luteal phase in in vitro fertilization procedures. Methods: Retrospective study that evaluated pregnancy outcomes in female recipients of embryos obtained from donation of both gametes by comparing the effectiveness of the vaginal ring and vaginal progesterone capsules in supporting the luteal phase in in vitro fertilization procedures. Results: Thirty-eight women used the vaginal ring and 46 applied vaginal capsules as luteal phase support. Similar rates of implantation (36.5% versus 36.9%), clinical pregnancy (52.6% versus 50.0%) and live birth (50.0% versus 45.7%) were found. Conclusions: Similar implantation, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were found with the use of the vaginal ring and vaginal progesterone capsules in the support of the luteal phase in in vitro fertilization procedures. Due to the convenience of its use and adequate pregnancy rates, the progesterone vaginal ring is an important alternative in the support of the luteal phase in in vitro fertilization.

A study to compare the efficacy, acceptability and side effect of combined contraceptive vaginal ring with the combined oral contraceptive pills in a tertiary health centre located in central India

Background: A study to compare the efficacy, acceptability and side effect of combined contraceptive vaginal ring with the combined oral contraceptive pills in a tertiary health centre (RKDF Medical College and Research Centre, Bhopal) located in central India.Methods: This prospective randomized comparative trial enrolled hundred women aged between 20 to 40 years seeking for contraception with no contraindication to hormonal contraception. After proper counseling and informed consent, women divided into two groups, study group (50) includes women using contraceptive vaginal ring and control group (50) include women using combined oral contraceptives. The contraceptive efficacy, acceptability, tolerability and adverse events were recorded at each follow-up visit at RKDF Medical College and Research Centre, Bhopal.Results: Vaginal ring and combined oral contraceptives were found to have comparable contraceptive efficacy. In study group no pregnancy reported during study period while one pregnancy reported in control group, which was statistically insignificant. Satisfaction, continuation and recommendation to others were more with vaginal ring which were not significant statistically. Cycle control is superior with vaginal ring. Incidence of adverse effects was same in both groups.Conclusions: Combined contraceptive vaginal ring is an effective and reliable contraception with excellent cycle control, well-tolerated and highly acceptable to most women.

Eritema nodoso asociado al uso de anillo vaginal anticonceptivo / Erythema nodosum associated with the use of contraceptive vaginal ring

El eritema nodoso (EN) es la forma de paniculitis más común. Este trastorno representa una reacción de hipersensibilidad frente a diferentes antígenos, así como múltiples enfermedades sistémicas y fármacos, aunque en la mayoría de casos se desconoce la causa. Nuevos fármacos se añaden a la lista de involucrados en la etiopatogenia del eritema nodoso conforme van pasando los años, siendo uno de ellos los anticonceptivos hormonales orales combinados. El objetivo de este trabajo es proponer una relación entre los estrógenos de cualquier método anticonceptivo como puede ser el anillo vaginal combinado y la aparición del eritema nodoso.

Erythema nodosum (EN) is the most common form of panniculitis. This disorder represents a hypersensitivity reaction in front of different antigens, as well as multiple systemic diseases and drugs, although in most cases the cause is unknown. New drugs are added to the list of those involved in the etiopathogenesis of erythema nodosum as the years go by, one of them being combined oral hormonal contraceptives. The objective of this study is to propose a relationship between estrogens from any contraceptive method such as the combined vaginal ring and the appearance of erythema nodosum.

Impacto de la asesoría anticonceptiva en la elección del método anticonceptivo: Resultados del Proyecto PIENSA en Venezuela

Objetivo: Determinar la influencia de la asesoría anticonceptiva en la elección del método anticonceptivo que realiza la usuaria. Métodos: Se incluyeron 873 mujeres (18-40 años) en 7 estados de Venezuela. Se obtuvo información sociodemográfica, método anticonceptivo elegido antes y después de la asesoría anticonceptiva estructurada, percepciones sobre el método anticonceptivo y razones de elección o no del mismo. La diferencia entre proporciones del método anticonceptivo antes y después con sus IC: 97,5 % se compararon usando un nivel de significancia unilateral de 1,25 %. Resultados: Posterior a la asesoría anticonceptiva, hubo una disminución en la selección de la píldora como método anticonceptivo, en el grupo de pacientes que inicialmente la eligieron (61,4 % a 45,6 %; P<0,0001), 68,7 % de quienes la solicitaron inicialmente la eligieron. La elección del parche se incrementó (7,8 % a 12,4 %; P=0,0007), manteniendo la intención original de uso 73,5 % de ellas. La elección del anillo vaginal muestra un incremento (16,5 % a 35,5 %; P<0,0001), conservando su elección original el 95,8.%. Los otros métodos disminuyeron (14,3 % a 3,1 %; P<0,0001) y 16,8 % mantuvieron elección inicial. Conclusiones: La asesoría anticonceptiva estructurada influye significativamente en la elección final del método anticonceptivo hormonal combinado (píldora, parche o anillo) y está asociado con el método solicitado previamente, número de hijos y percepciones de las usuarias sobre los anticonceptivos.

Objective: To determine the influence of contraceptive counselling in the choice of contraceptive method made by users. Methods: 873 women (18-40 years) in 7 states of Venezuela were included. Information about sociodemographic characteristics; contraceptive method chosen before and after a structured contraceptive counseling; perceptions about contraceptive method, and reasons for choosing or not the contraceptive method were obtained. The difference between the ratios of contraceptive method before and after counseling with CI 97.5 % was compared using a one-sided significance level of 1.25 %. Results: There was a decrease in the choice of the pill after counseling (61.4 % to 45.6 %; P<0.0001), 68.7% of those who initially requested pill then chose them. The patch choice was increased (7.8 % to 12.4 %; P=0.0007), they maintained their original intended use in 73.5 % of them. The choice of ring was increased (16.5 % to 35.5 %; P<0.0001), 95.8 % was retained their original request. The other methods decreased (14.3 % to 3.1 %; P<0.0001), and 16.8 % maintained initial choice. Women who requested a particular method were more likely to choose the same after counseling, except the ring which was very likely to choose regardless of whichever method originally was requested. Conclusions: Structured contraceptive counseling significantly influence the final choice of combined hormonal contraceptive method (pill, patch or ring) and is associated with the contraceptive method previously requested, number of children, and user perceptions on contraceptives.

Estudio PIENSA: efecto de la asesoría sobre la elección de anticonceptivos hormonales combinados en mujeres chilenas / PIENSA study: effect of advice on the choice of combined hormonal contraceptives in Chilean women

Objetivos: Evaluar la asesoría acerca de los anticonceptivos hormonales combinados de auto administración por parte de profesionales de la salud y cómo influye en el cambio o elección del método a utilizar. Método: Durante la consulta ginecológica habitual, se registra la elección del método anticonceptivo (MAC) combinado de auto administración (píldora, anillo o parche transdérmico) previa a la asesoría del médico y posterior a esta. El registro se realiza por medio de una encuesta que debe llenar la paciente y otra a completar por el médico. Resultados: Luego de la asesoría, de las 867 mujeres participantes un 11,6 por ciento variaron su opción de MAC elegido previamente. La píldora, originalmente el método más elegido, disminuyó en las preferencias, aunque continuó siéndolo y las otras opciones aumentaron. La píldora anticonceptiva bajó en un 13,4 por ciento desde su elección inicial, el anillo vaginal y el parche transdérmico incrementaron su elección en un 63,6 y 56,7 por ciento respectivamente. Conclusión: Las píldoras son el MAC hormonal combinado preferido por las mujeres participantes. Sin embargo entregándo una información estandarizada se produce un impacto en la elección anticonceptiva, favoreciendo los métodos menos tradicionales y de uso prolongado como son el anillo vaginal y parche transdérmico.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of health care professional counseling in the choice of combined self-administered contraceptive method. It also assesses how such advice influences in the final contraceptive choice or how it changes from the original. Method: During routine gynecological consultation, the patient's self-administered contraceptive method (pill, vaginal ring and transdermal patch) preference was registered. This was done before and after physician counseling, through a survey filled by both the patient and the physician. Results: After counseling, of the 867 women who participated, 11.6 percent changed their previously chosen contraceptive. The pill, originally the chosen method of the majority of women, decreased in terms of preference; although the pill continued to be the preferred contraceptive method, preference for other methods increased. The contraceptive pill decreased 13.4 percent in the preference rating, while the choice of the vaginal ring and the transdermal patch increased by 63.65 and 56.7 percent respectively. Conclusion: The pill is women's preferred combined self-administered contraceptive method. Nevertheless during counseling, a standardized information impacts in the contraceptive choice increasing the preference of less conventional methods as transdermal patch and vaginal ring.

Proyecto PIENSA (Programa de Investigación y Educación en Salud Reproductiva): impacto de la asesoría en la elección anticonceptiva en mujeres peruanas

Introducción: La necesidad insatisfecha de anticoncepción sigue siendo alta en el Perú y a nivel mundial. La asesoría adecuada del profesional de la salud ha demostrado maximizar el uso y cumplimiento de métodos anticonceptivos que se ajusten a las necesidades de cada mujer. Objetivos: Medir el impacto de la asesoría brindada por profesionales de salud ginecoobstetras en la elección de un método anticonceptivo hormonal de autoadministración -píldora diaria, parche transdérmico semanal y anillo vaginal mensual-, así como los factores determinantes de ello. Diseño: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal. Lugar: Lima, Piura, Chiclayo y Trujillo, Perú. Institución: Proyecto Latinoamericano PIENSA: Programa de Investigación y Educación en Salud Anticonceptiva. Participantes: Quinientos ochenta y un mujeres de 18 a 40 años que acudieron a la consulta de 40 ginecoobstetras que brindaron asesoría sobre métodos anticonceptivos. Intervenciones: Se realizó una asesoría estandarizada con material didáctico que contenía información sobre efectividad, mecanismo de acción, modo de uso, beneficios y riesgos, así como idoneidad, respecto a las necesidades individuales. Principales medidas de resultados: Elección original y elección final del método anticonceptivo luego de la asesoría, y factores involucrados. Resultados: La elección inicial del método fue de 57% la píldora, 15% el anillo vaginal y 13% el parche transdérmico; luego de la asesoría fue: 38% la píldora, 33% el anillo vaginal, y 19% el parche transdérmico. Resultó estadísticamente significativa la preferencia entre las usuarias del anillo vaginal de 15% a 33% y la preferencia del parche transdérmico de 13 a 19%; p<0,005. La razón principal para la elección del método fue la facilidad de uso. Conclusiones: Las mujeres peruanas participantes del proyecto PIENSA eligieron inicialmente la píldora diaria, cuyo porcentaje disminuyó luego de la asesoría por un profesional de la salud. Asimismo, el número de mujeres que eligieron los métodos de parche transdérmico y anillo vaginal se incrementó significativamente.

Introduction: Unmet needs for contraception are high in Peru and worldwide. Proper advice from health professionals maximizes use and compliance of contraceptive methods meeting the needs of every woman. Objectives: To determine the impact and determinant factors of gynecologists advice for women choosing a self-administered hormonal contraceptive method, either daily pill, weekly transdermal patch or monthly vaginal ring. Design: Observational, descriptive and transversal study. Location: Lima, Piura, Chiclayo, and Trujillo, Peru. Institution: Latin Project PIENSA: Program for Research and Education on Contraceptive Health. Participants: Five hundred eighty-one women aged 18 to 40 attended by 40 gynecologists providing advice on contraception. Interventions: Standardized counseling with educational material including information on effectiveness, mechanism of action, user mode, benefits and risks as well as suitability in regards to individual needs was conducted. Main outcome measures: Original choice and final election of contraceptive method following counseling as well as factors involved. Results: Initial method choice was 57% for the pill, 15% for the vaginal ring, and 13% for transdermal patch. Following advice election was for pill 38%, vaginal ring 33%, and transdermal patch 19%. Statistically significant preference from 15% to 33% was found in vaginal ring users, and 13% to 19% for transdermal patch; p <0,005. The main reason for methods choice was ease of use. Conclusions: Peruvian women participating in PIENSA Project initially chose the daily contraceptive pill; but this election decreased following health professional counseling. The number of women who chose transdermal patch and vaginal ring increased significantly.

Preparation and in-vitro evaluation of the shell vaginal ring containing mifepristone / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To prepare and in vitro evaluate the shell vaginal ring(VR)containing mifepristone. METHODS: The solid dispersion of mifepristone with PVPK30 as a carrier was prepared and characterized by the methods of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The shell vaginal ring containing mifepristone was prepared by the method of mold molding process, the inner layer of vaginal ring is the blank silastic skeleton, the middle layer of vaginal ring is the part containing drug, the outermost layer is a non-active silicon rubber membrane. In vitro drug release test was conducted in a dissolution apparatus, release medium was 200 mL PBS (pH 4.0) meeting with sink conditions, and release samples were determined by the UV-vis spectrophotometry. RESULTS: The shell vaginal ring containing mifepristone had a steady drug release rate in vitro during 21 d. The daily release of mifeprisotne was about 1 mg, which sustained two weeks at least at this release rate, and the variance intra- batch was very small. CONCLUSION: The shell vaginal ring containing mifepristone exhibits the sustained and controlled release characteristics in vitro, and the preparation method is stable. The developed UV-vis method is rapid, accurate and convenient.