Non-interventional retrospective study to evaluate menstrual bleeding profiles, tolerability and quality of life of women using the new vaginal ring Ornibel® delivering etonogestrel 0.120 mg and ethinylestradiol (EE) 0.015 mg per day

Background: To assess the menstrual cycle profile, tolerability, quality of life and sexual wellbeing in women using the vaginal contraceptive ring Ornibel®. Method: Non-interventional, retrospective, multi-center study on 103 women between 18 and 45 years old that used Ornibel® for at least 6 months. Menstrual cycle characteristics, vaginal infections and quality of life parameters were analyzed. Change in menstrual bleeding profiles and menstrual bleeding associated pain were assessed via visual analogue scales (VAS). Results: Menstrual flow and dysmenorrhea reduced significantly. The VAS score reductions were 16 and 22,5 points respectively (p < 0.001). No differences were observed between women that changed from another contraceptive method to the vaginal ring. The percentage of women without unscheduled bleedings or spotting increased from 79% to 88%. The percentage of women with unscheduled bleeding or spotting significantly decreased from 21% to 12%. Women rated the ring as very comfortable or comfortable (97%) as well as easy to insert (91%). The continuation of the usage of the ring and a recommendation for the ring were significantly associated with these two parameters. Conclusions: Ornibel® improved the menstrual cycle profile, reduced dysmenorrhea and shows a very high adherence to the use. Clinical trial register: DRKS-ID: DRKS00014982

Hormonal Contraceptives, Female Sexual Dysfunction, and Managing Strategies: A Review

In recent decades, hormonal contraceptives (HC) has made a difference in the control of female fertility, taking an unequivocal role in improving contraceptive efficacy. Some side effects of hormonal treatments have been carefully studied. However, the influence of these drugs on female sexual functioning is not so clear, although variations in the plasma levels of sexual hormones could be associated with sexual dysfunction. Permanent hormonal modifications, during menopause or caused by some endocrine pathologies, could be directly related to sexual dysfunction in some cases but not in all of them. HC use seems to be responsible for a decrease of circulating androgen, estradiol, and progesterone levels, as well as for the inhibition of oxytocin functioning. Hormonal contraceptive use could alter women’s pair-bonding behavior, reduce neural response to the expectation of erotic stimuli, and increase sexual jealousy. There are contradictory results from different studies regarding the association between sexual dysfunction and hormonal contraceptives, so it could be firmly said that additional research is needed. When contraceptive-related female sexual dysfunction is suspected, the recommended therapy is the discontinuation of contraceptives with consideration of an alternative method, such as levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems, copper intrauterine contraceptives, etonogestrel implants, the permanent sterilization of either partner (when future fertility is not desired), or a contraceptive ring.

Pregnant young women’s attitudes about microbicides: the anticipated influence of the grandmother and father of the baby on microbicide use

Grandmothers and fathers of the baby may influence pregnant women’s microbicide use. Pregnant young women’s attitudes about grandmothers’ and fathers’ role in decision-making and their involvement in microbicide use were assessed. Participants (n = 108) had a mean age of 20.2 years. The majority anticipated that the grandmother, father or both would have a decision-making role. Greater grandmother involvement in microbicide use was significantly associated with being younger, having no reproductive tract infection or contraceptive-ring-use history. Greater father involvement in use was associated with being in a relationship with him. Strategies for engaging grandmothers and fathers in microbicide use should be developed.