High acceptability and satisfaction with NuvaRing use

Abstract

NuvaRing is a combined contraceptive vaginal ring that releases constant low doses of ethinylestradiol and etonogestrel. One cycle consists of 3 weeks of ring use followed by a 1-week ring-free period and the ring can easily be inserted and removed by the women themselves. Acceptability and satisfaction were determined by a questionnaire in two large, multicenter, open, 1-year studies conducted in a total of 2393 women, of whom 1950 (82%) completed cycle 3 questionnaires. Overall, 53% of participants switched to NuvaRing from other hormonal contraception; the main reason given for deciding to use NuvaRing (47%) was that it appeared to be a new and attractive method of contraception. Nearly all users considered the ring easy to insert and remove. Although 15% of women and 30% of their partners reported feeling the ring at least occasionally during intercourse, very few partners objected to women using the ring and the majority of women felt comfortable with it during intercourse. Reductions in menstrual pain and the length of the menstrual period were reported during ring use. More than 90% of women were satisfied or very satisfied with the ring at each assessment and 97% of those who completed the studies said they would recommend the method to others. At baseline, the preferred contraceptive method was the pill (66% of users). However, more than 80% of women at each assessment said they would use NuvaRing as their first-choice method. High satisfaction at cycle 3 was a good predictor of low subsequent discontinuation risk. In conclusion, this analysis shows that users express good acceptability and a high level of satisfaction with NuvaRing.