The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the best way to manage breakthrough spotting and bleeding during an extended use regimen of NuvaRing®. Ease of use and acceptability of a flexible regimen of NuvaRing® will also be evaluated. A comparison of cyclic mood symptoms, pelvic pain, and headaches will be made between a standard 21/7 regimen and an extended regimen.
Hormonal contraception is undergoing a change away from a 21/7 day regimen where a woman utilizes a combination estrogen and progestin therapy for 21 days followed by 7 days of a hormone-free interval (HFI). It is well documented that women may experience a higher incidence of mood changes, headaches and cramping that begin prior to and during this 7 day HFI. By reducing the HFI and extending the active combination contraceptive therapy, it is hoped that women will experience greater satisfaction with their contraceptive regimen and will experience fewer negative side effects associated with a HFI. The most common reason for discontinuation of an extended contraception regimen is irregular bleeding. The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the best way to manage this breakthrough spotting and bleeding. Ease of use and acceptability of a flexible regimen of NuvaRing will also be evaluated. A comparison of cyclic mood symptoms, pelvic pain, and headaches will be made between a standard 21/7 regimen and an extended regimen. The contraceptive ring used in this study contains both an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestin (etonogestrel). These are synthetic (man-made) hormones. The amount of ethinyl estrogen released into the bloodstream each day is 120mcg and the amount of etonogestrel is 150mcg. The NuvaRing®, by Organon, is FDA approved for contraception, but is not approved for use in an extended regimen. Therefore its use in this study is considered investigational.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
75
Both groups of women will be using the nuvaring continuously, ie if the ring is placed on 3rd of January, on the 3rd of February the ring would be removed and a new one inserted. On the 3rd of March the same thing would happen and so forth. Group 2 if bleeding or spotting occurs for more than 5 days then on the 6th day the ring is removed and will keep it out for three more days and reinsert the same ring on the 4th day.
Subject is using the nuvaring continuously. For example she puts the ring in on 3rd of January then the 3rd of February is when that ring is removed and another one is inserted. The 3rd of March the same thing occurs.
Scott & White Hospital and Clinic
Temple, Texas, United States
a comparison of days and extent per day of bleeding and spotting within subjects for continuous use pattern of nuvaring.
Time frame: 6 months
a comparison of choice to switch patterns or stick with randomized pattern for second phase of study (2nd 6 month interval).
Time frame: 6 months
comparisons of all symptoms (pelvic pain, headaches, moodiness, and pain medication use) both within subjects during different treatment intervals and between subject groups.
Time frame: 12 months
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