Use of the novel combined contraceptive vaginal ring NuvaRing for ovulation inhibition

Objective: To assess the effects of the combined contraceptive vaginal ring NuvaRing on ovarian function. Design: Randomized, open-label, crossover study. Setting: Clinical pharmacology unit. Participant(s): Sixteen healthy female volunteers. Intervention(s): Group 1: one cycle of combined oral contraceptive containing desogestrel (150 mug) and ethinyl estradiol (30 mug) (desogestrel/EE COC), followed by a NuvaRing treatment period. Group 2: NuvaRing treatment period followed by a cycle of desogestrel/EE COC. Main Outcome Measure(s): Follicular diameter, serum hormone concentrations (follicle-stimulating hormone, 17 beta estradiol, luteinizing hormone, and progesterone), and endometrial thickness. Result(s): NuvaRing use for the recommended period of 3 weeks resulted in complete inhibition of ovulation, as assessed by vaginal ultrasound (follicular diameter) and by serum luteinizing hormone and progesterone concentrations. Inhibition of ovulation was maintained for an additional 2 weeks of NuvaRing use. Ovarian suppression between the groups was comparable. Furthermore, ovarian suppression after 3 weeks of NuvaRing use was comparable to that on day 21 of DGS/EE COC intake. NuvaRing was well tolerated. Conclusion(s): NuvaRing completely inhibited ovulation throughout the normal 3-week period and the extended period of use. Ovarian suppression was comparable to that with desogestrel/EE COC. (Fertil Steril(R) 2001;75:865-70. (C)2001 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.).