Safety and acceptability with the use of a contraceptive vaginal ring after surgical or medical abortion☆

Abstract 

Objective

The study was conducted to determine if a contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR) is a safe and acceptable method of contraception when used in the proximate postabortion period following first-trimester surgical or medical abortion.

Methods

A CVR was inserted within 1 week following a medical or surgical abortion. Participants were followed up for 3 months to determine safety and acceptability. Safety was measured by the absence of signs of infection or serious adverse events. Acceptability was assessed by the CVR satisfaction survey, completed at the 3-month follow-up visit.

Results

Of 81 participants enrolled in the study, 69 (85%) completed the first-month follow-up visit, and 54 (67%) completed the final 3-month follow-up visit. There were no serious adverse events and no signs of infection on physical exam. Most adverse events were mild and not specifically related to the CVR. Related adverse events were those commonly associated with hormonal contraception use. Eighty-nine percent of participants chose to continue the CVR as their birth control method.

Conclusion

The CVR is potentially safe and has high acceptability when used in the proximate postabortion period following a first-trimester abortion.

Keywords: Contraceptive vaginal ring, Abortion, Postabortion infection, Safety, Acceptability