Comparison of efficacy, compliance, acceptability and tolerability of hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing) versus Combined Oral contraceptives (COCs) – a Prospective Randomized Controlled study in a district level hospital in East Delhi

Richa Sharma; Aishwarya Kapur; Sunita Fotedar

Volume : VII, Issue : I, January - 2018

Comparison of efficacy, compliance, acceptability and tolerability of hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing) versus Combined Oral contraceptives (COCs) – a Prospective Randomized Controlled study in a district level hospital in East Delhi

Richa Sharma, Aishwarya Kapur, Sunita Fotedar

Abstract :

Background and objectives: NuvaRing is a novel nonoral combined hormonal contraceptive. Present study aims to compare the efficacy, compliance, acceptability and tolerability of NuvaRing with COCs.

Method: Prospective randomized, controlled study. Total 430 women fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria enrolled for study ,randomly divided in two groups of 215 each. Women in NuvaRing group were given NuvaRing for 12 cycles and women in COC group were given Mala N tablets for 12 cycles. Two groups were compared for efficacy, acceptability, compliance and tolerability by filling questionnaires.

Results: There was no significant difference in efficacy, compliance and acceptability. NuvaRing group had more complaints of vaginal discharge and incidence of nausea was significantly higher in COC group. None of the women discontinued use due to side effects.

Conclusion: NuvaRing has comparable efficacy, compliance, acceptability and tolerability as compared to COCs with the advantage to once a month dosing.