Clinical experience with the combined contraceptive vaginal ring in Switzerland, including a subgroup analysis of previous hormonal contraceptive use

OBJECTIVE: To collect data on cycle and cycle-related symptoms during a second clinical experience programme with the contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing®) in Switzerland. METHODS: Women requiring contraception were recruited by gynaecologists. Questionnaires were used to collect data on cycle and related symptoms, weight, satisfaction and adverse events at baseline and follow-up (typically four cycles). RESULTS: Of the 1053 women included, 36.9% were starters, 22.4% starters anew, and 40.6% switchers. At follow-up, improvement in cycle regularity was significantly better for starters compared with switchers (18.5% versus 11%; p < 0.001). Starters showed the greatest improvement in bleeding duration and severity. Improvement in the severity of premenstrual symptoms (PMS) and dysmenorrhoea was significantly (p < 0.001) greater in starters compared with switchers (18.5% vs. 9.1% and 26.5% vs. 9.8%, respectively). Menstrual headache improved in all subgroups. Women were satisfied with changes in weight (92%), cycle control (93.6%) and PMS (86%). Adverse events were reported for 17.5% of women and were most frequently ring-related (such as feeling the ring in situ, vaginal discomfort, ring expulsion). CONCLUSIONS: The data support previous findings that the vaginal ring improves cycle-related symptoms (moderate or severe PMS, dysmenorrhoea, and menstrual headache). Not only starters experienced improvements in symptoms; switchers also benefited.