Bleeding patterns of women using extended regimens of the contraceptive vaginal ring.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

This prospective observational study evaluated the bleeding patterns of women using a vaginal ring releasing 120 microg of etonogestrel and 15 microg of ethinyl estradiol daily, over a continuous period of 84 days followed by 7 ring-free days.

METHODS:

The study enrolled 75 volunteers aged 18 to 37 years. Sixty-two (82.8%) recorded their menstrual cycles during 1 year.

RESULTS:

At the end of the study, 85.5% had adequate menstrual patterns (two to four bleeding episodes, none lasting 10 days or more, with a range of bleeding-free intervals not exceeding 17 days), 9.7% had infrequent bleeding, 1.6% reported prolonged bleeding episodes, 1.6% had frequent bleeding and 1.6% had irregular bleeding.

CONCLUSION:

Only 5 of the initial 75 patients discontinued the method due to bleeding. Among these 75 women, dissatisfaction with bleeding patterns was not a frequent reason given for discontinuation of the contraceptive vaginal ring.

• Authors: Fernando Augusto Barreiros, Cristina Aparecida Falbo Guazzelli, Fábio Fernando de Araújo, Ricardo Barbosa
• Journal: Contraception (Contraception) Vol. 75 Issue 3 Pg. 204-8 (Mar 2007) ISSN: 0010-7824 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17303490 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Contraceptive Agents, Female
• Drug Combinations
• Estrogens
• etonogestrel
• Ethinyl Estradiol
• Desogestrel

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Contraceptive Agents, Female (pharmacology)
• Contraceptive Devices, Female (adverse effects)
• Desogestrel (pharmacology)
• Drug Combinations
• Estrogens (pharmacology)
• Ethinyl Estradiol (pharmacology)
• Female
• Humans
• Menstruation (drug effects)
• Menstruation Disturbances (epidemiology, etiology)
• Prospective Studies