The combined contraceptive vaginal ring, NuvaRing: an international study of user acceptability

The acceptability of the combined contraceptive vaginal ring, NuvaRing, was assessed during two trials conducted in North America and Europe. Women completed a questionnaire about the ring's clarity of instructions, ease of use, sexual comfort, cycle-related characteristics and satisfaction after 3, 6 and 13 cycles of use. A total of 1,950 women (82% of those recruited) completed a questionnaire at cycle 3. At baseline, 66% of participants preferred oral contraceptives, but after three cycles of ring use 81% preferred the ring. On study completion, 97% agreed that the instructions for use were clear; 85% of women and 71% of their partners never/rarely felt the ring during intercourse and 94% of partners never/rarely minded that the woman was using the ring. Overall acceptance was high, 96% were satisfied with the ring and 97% would recommend the ring. Similar responses were seen for women who prematurely discontinued from the studies, except that slightly fewer women were satisfied (60%) and would recommend the ring (75%). Reasons for liking the ring included 'not having to remember anything' (45%) and 'ease of use' (27%). In conclusion, there is a high level of user and partner acceptability for the contraceptive ring.