The combined contraceptive vaginal ring, NuvaRing, and tampon co-usage

Contraception. 2004 Mar;69(3):197-9. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2003.10.014.

Abstract

We investigated the effect of tampon co-usage on systemic exposure to etonogestrel (ENG) and ethinylestradiol (EE) from the combined contraceptive vaginal ring, NuvaRing. One cycle of ring use consists of 3 weeks of ring use followed by a 1-week ring-free period. Fourteen healthy women were randomized to use both NuvaRing and tampons (Kotex( regular) or NuvaRing alone for one cycle; participants then switched to the alternate treatment regimen for a second cycle of ring use. The first tampon was self-administered on day 8 of the interaction cycle; 4 tampons a day were used for 3 consecutive days. Tampon co-usage did not result in any changes in serum ENG or EE concentrations and is thus not expected to compromise the ring's contraceptive efficacy.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravaginal
  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Contraception / methods*
  • Contraceptive Agents, Female / administration & dosage*
  • Contraceptive Agents, Female / blood
  • Contraceptive Agents, Female / pharmacokinetics
  • Contraceptive Devices, Female*
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Desogestrel / administration & dosage*
  • Desogestrel / blood
  • Desogestrel / pharmacokinetics
  • Drug Administration Routes
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Ethinyl Estradiol / administration & dosage*
  • Ethinyl Estradiol / blood
  • Ethinyl Estradiol / pharmacokinetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Tampons, Surgical

Substances

  • Contraceptive Agents, Female
  • etonogestrel
  • Ethinyl Estradiol
  • Desogestrel