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 microg) and ethinyl estradiol (30 microg) (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, 17beta 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.