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Objectives The primary aim was to investigate post-use ring weight as a potential measure of cumulative adherence to a progesterone-releasing vaginal ring. Study design We weighed and quantified residual progesterone in 115 vaginal rings following 90-day use by participants in an acceptability trial conducted in Nigeria, Senegal and Kenya. The primary objective was to correlate residual progesterone content with post-use ring weight. Secondary objectives included correlating ring weight with putative duration of ring use, and, where participants used two rings consecutively in the study, correlating residual content between these paired rings. Results Mean ring weight and progesterone content of used rings was 8.62±0.24 g and 1245±245 mg respectively, versus 9.37±0.02 and 2058±21 mg for control rings. Most used rings (90.4%) had residual progesterone levels less than 85% of the nominal loading. Linear regression showed a strong positive linear trend between residual progesterone content and post-use ring weight for all rings (r2=0.82). Duration of ring use was inversely associated (p=.00020) with ring weight. Conclusions Post-use ring weight is highly correlated with residual progesterone content, a benchmark objective cumulative measure of adherence, and thus potentially useful as a surrogate objective measure of cumulative adherence to a progesterone-releasing vaginal ring. Implication statement For vaginal rings containing a high initial drug loading and releasing a relatively large fraction of the initial loading during clinical use, post-use ring weight may offer a simple and inexpensive alternative to residual content testing for accurate monitoring of user adherence.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the lowest safe and effective ulipristal acetate (UPA) dose to be released from a copper (Cu) intrauterine system (IUS) that may prevent the copper-induced increase in bleeding and avoid progesterone receptor modulator associated-endometrial changes (PAEC) occurrences in healthy women? SUMMARY ANSWER: The 20 μg/d dose meets the criteria of lowest safe and effective UPA dose that can promote a favorable bleeding profile and avoid PAEC occurrences. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: UPA is a selective progesterone receptor modulator used to reduce the heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroids. However, it induces specific benign and reversible histological endometrial changes (PAEC). Very low levels of UPA may decrease the amount of bleeding associated with copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) use, without interfering with ovulation and preventing the occurrence of PAEC. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, AND DURATION: In this single-blinded, randomized, 3-group parallel proof-of-concept study, healthy women were randomized to receive a Cu-IUS releasing a low-dose of UPA (5, 20 and 40 μg/d) for a 12-week treatment period. The study included three periods: baseline, treatment and post-treatment follow-up. Women received a Cu-UPA-IUS between days 2 and 5 of menses and we removed it at 12 weeks of use. The post-treatment follow-up period was equivalent to two cycles starting after IUS removal. The sample size calculation was based on the average bleeding/spotting (B/S) days per cycle expected from ovulatory cycles among women not using any contraceptive and the changes promoted by a Cu-IUD. Considering a relative difference of 40% in the number of B/S days between the baseline period and the end of the third 4-week reference period of Cu-UPA-IUS use, and assuming 80% power, a two-sided 5% level of significance, 8 participants per group were required. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: We included healthy women, 21–38 years old, with ovulatory cycles, not at risk for pregnancy at the time of inclusion. The primary outcome was the pharmacodynamic effects of a Cu-IUS releasing 5, 20 or 40 μg/d of UPA on bleeding patterns, ovarian function, and the occurrence of PAEC. The secondary outcomes were the pharmacokinetic characteristics and safety profile of the device. Participants filled a daily paper diary about any B/S they experienced. We collected blood and urine samples and performed transvaginal ultrasound. Endometrial biopsies were obtained during the baseline period, at the end of the treatment period and at post-treatment follow-up. For analysis purpose, we divided the 12-week treatment period into three 4-week treatment sequences and called each sequence as “treatment cycle”. We used generalized linear mixed models with orthogonal contrasts to analyze quantitative variables and Chi-Square/Fisher test for categorial variables. The level of significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: We randomized 29 women who had a successful IUS insertion; 27 completed the 12-week treatment period. Compared to baseline, the mean number of B/S days at treatment cycle 3 reduced by 2.6% in the 5 μg/d group (p=0.89), 17.1% in the 20 μg/d group (p=0.24), and 37.8% in the 40 μg/d group (p=0.03). Compared to baseline, the mean number of bleeding-only days at treatment cycle 3 reduced by 16.7% in the 5 μg/d group (p=0.66), 40.5% in the 20 μg/d group (p=0.14), and 77% in the 40 μg/d group (p=0.002). During the 12-week treatment period, ovulation occurred in most of the cycles (5 μg/d: 95.8%, 20 μg/d: 86.7%, 40 μg/d: 81.5%). The frequency of PAECs on the day of IUS removal was 10% (1/10), 10% (1/10) and 44.4% (4/9) in the 5 μg/d, 20 μg/d, and 40 μg/d groups, respectively. Most adverse events (AEs) were mild (87%, 90/104). There were no serious AEs. No AE led to treatment discontinuation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The results of this small proof-of-concept study will need to be confirmed in larger and long-term trials with a comparator such as a Cu-IUD. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The novel Cu-UPA-IUS appears safe and well-tolerated and highly acceptable across all three UPA doses tested in this short-term proof-of-concept study. By preventing copper-induced increase in bleeding, this new IUS could provide a non-contraceptive benefit, especially for women with a low hemoglobin due to poor nutrition. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): RSW, MP, RM, HS, NK, and DL are employees of the Population Council, a not-for-profit organization that developed UPA for contraception. RSW received a research grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) from the National institute of Health (NIH) as Project Director of a Contraception research center U54 HD 29990. CSV serves on Medical Advisory Boards and gives lectures for Bayer and Merck.

Objective To predict serum segesterone (SA) and ethinyl estradiol (EE) levels after 364 days of hypothetical continuous use (without removal) of a cyclic contraceptive vaginal system (CVS) containing 0.15 mg SA and 0.013 mg EE. Study design We used pharmacokinetic (PK) data (n = 37) from a multicenter, open-label, nonrandomized study of healthy women (18–38 years) that used the CVS for 13 cycles in a 21 days-in/7 days-out regimen to develop a linear regression model to predict daily serum SA and EE levels for 364 days of continuous CVS use. We then determined residual SA/EE levels in vitro from 18 randomly chosen CVS used by women who completed 13 cycles. Serum SA and EE levels were also predicted for 364 days of continuous CVS use in another in vitro study. Results After a hypothetical 364 days of continuous CVS use, we predicted daily mean serum levels to be 184 pmol/L (95% confidence interval [CI], 102‒332 pmol/L) for SA and 43 pmol/L (95% CI, 19‒95 pmol/L) for EE. We did predict that serum EE levels would not accumulate over time. Residual SA and EE in the CVS were 60% and 80% of the original load after 13 cycles, respectively. Conclusion The predicted serum SA level after 364 days of hypothetical continuous CVS use was comparable to reported levels at which no pregnancy occurred (>100 pmol/L), showing the potential of the CVS for one year of continuous use. Clinical trials on continuous CVS use are planned. Implications Based on statistical modeling, the long-term, user-controlled contraceptive vaginal system containing segesterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol may have the potential to provide effective pregnancy prevention if used continuously (without removal) for one year. Further investigation is warranted.

Objectives We sought to identify factors associated with nonadherence to instructions for using a novel contraceptive providing 1 year of protection. Study design Data from a multicountry Phase 3 trial of the Nestorone® (segesterone acetate)/ethinyl estradiol (NES/EE) contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR) were analyzed. Participants were instructed to use the CVR over 13 cycles and follow a 21/7 regimen. Their reports of CVR removals >2 h outside scheduled removal periods served as a proxy for nonadherence. We used multivariate logistic regression to determine factors associated with such use. Results Of 905 participants, 120 (13%) reported CVR removals >2 h. Removals for washing [odds ratio (OR) 3.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.50–6.27] or sexual intercourse (OR 3.19, 95% CI 2.03–4.99), and finding CVR insertion difficult (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.36–5.80) were factors associated with removals >2 h. Lower educational attainment also predicted ring removal >2 h (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.55–6.75). Women residing in Europe or Australia were less likely to remove the ring for >2 h compared with women in the United States (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.24–0.83 and OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02–0.98, respectively). Participants who reported removals >2 h were more likely to discontinue CVR use (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.24–2.95), report dissatisfaction (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.32–3.69) and become pregnant during the study (OR 4.07, 95% CI 1.58–10.50). Conclusions Removing the CVR for washing and removing it before intercourse are factors associated with nonadherence to ring use. These are important topics for counseling women who are considering or using vaginal rings, including the NES/EE CVR. Implications Findings from this study may be useful in guiding counseling for current and prospective vaginal ring users. Anticipatory guidance should focus on how the ring feels in the vagina and during sex. Asking about ring removals may help identify women who are at increased risk for having an unplanned pregnancy.

Objectives To evaluate the effects of concurrent administration of three vaginal miconazole nitrate formulations on the absorption and exposure of Nestorone® (segesterone acetate) and ethinyl estradiol from a novel contraceptive vaginal ring (NES/EE CVR). Study design This was an open-label, randomized, crossover, drug–drug interaction study conducted over three menstrual cycles in healthy women with regular menses. We compared systemic exposure to NES and EE by determining area under the curve (AUC8–21d) with CVR only and CVR with each miconazole treatment. Three different miconazole formulations (single-dose suppository, multiple-dose suppository or multiple-dose cream) were administered in a single dose on day 8 or multiple doses on days 8–10 after CVR insertion. We evaluated safety and tolerability of the CVR in the presence of antimycotic comedication. Results Forty-five participants were randomized, and 29 completed participation. Systemic exposure to NES and EE released from the CVR increased with single or multiple doses of miconazole suppositories but not with multiple-dose cream. The maximum EE geometric mean ratio (GMR) for AUC8–21d was 1.67 (1.51–1.86) for single-dose and 1.42 (1.21–1.66) for multiple-dose suppositories. By contrast, systemic exposure to NES and EE was comparable with and without miconazole cream (all GMRs and confidence intervals within 0.80 to 1.25). Adverse events (AEs) were similar with CVR only and with all miconazole treatment groups. There were no serious treatment-related AEs. Conclusions Miconazole vaginal suppositories were associated with increased systemic levels of NES and EE, while systemic exposure with miconazole vaginal cream was comparable to no miconazole exposure. Implications Coadministration of miconazole suppositories with the investigational NES/EE CVR led to higher systemic exposure of both hormones, while coadministration with miconazole cream did not affect hormone levels. Women utilizing the NES/EE CVR may be advised to use an oral formulation or miconazole cream rather than suppository to treat vaginal candidiasis.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate and compare contraceptive efficacy, safety, continuation rates and duration of lactational amenorrhea (LA) in married lactating women (20–35 years) using the progesterone vaginal ring (PVR) or Copper-T380A intrauterine device (IUD) during the first postpartum year. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a one-year multicenter, non-randomized, non-inferiority, open-label, comparative trial at 20 centers in India and compared efficacy, safety, continuation and LA plus feeding patterns and growth/well-being of participants’ infants. Women used four 3-month PVRs consecutively (lost PVRs were not replaced) and were to breastfeed at least four times/day. We used Pearl Index (PI) and Kaplan Meier (K-M) rates to analyze pregnancy and K-M for continuation. RESULTS: We enrolled 789 women (459 PVR, 330 IUD). Neither PI nor K-M one-year pregnancy rates differed significantly between groups (PI: PVR-0.62; IUD-0.35); (K-M: PVR-0.7; IUD-0.4, p=0.58). Continuation rates at 12 months were 78.5% (IUD) vs. 56.9% (PVR) (p

Objectives To describe bleeding patterns among users of the segesterone acetate (SA) and ethinyl estradiol (EE) contraceptive vaginal system (CVS), and identify factors associated with unscheduled bleeding/spotting (B/S). Study design We pooled results from two multicenter, single-arm, open-label, pivotal, phase 3 studies of the SA/EE CVS conducted in 17 US and 7 international sites. Participants (age 18–40 years; BMI ≤29 kg/m2) followed a 21/7-day in/out schedule of CVS use for up to 13 cycles and recorded vaginal bleeding daily in paper diaries. Scheduled and unscheduled B/S were summarized by cycle. We used multiple logistic regression to identify factors associated with unscheduled bleeding/spotting, based on the first 4 cycles only. Results Analysis included data from 2070 participants (16,408 cycles). Ninety-eight percent documented scheduled B/S [mean (SD): 4.9 (1.1) days/cycle)]. Absence of scheduled B/S was 5–8% of women/cycle. Unscheduled B/S ranged from 13.2% to 21.7% of women per cycle. Few women (1.8%) discontinued prematurely due to unacceptable bleeding. Black women were more likely to report unscheduled B/S than White women [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.14–1.94]. Women with fewer years of schooling [ Conclusions Participants using the SA/EE CVS up to 13 cycles reported good cycle control. Discontinuation due to unacceptable bleeding was very low. Further research into demographic/other differences with reported unscheduled bleeding is warranted. Implications Since good cycle control is a key factor influencing contraceptive selection, adherence and continuation of combined hormonal contraceptives, the favorable bleeding profiles experienced by women during the SA/EE CVS clinical trials provide reassuring information for prospective users.

Objectives Estrogen-sensitive hepatic proteins were assessed in women using a contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR) delivering 150 mcg Nestorone® (NES) and 15 mcg ethinyl estradiol (EE). Study design A substudy of the Contraceptive Clinical Trials Network of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development enrolled 129 participants, with assessments of factor VIII, fibrinogen, protein S (PS) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Thirty-six participants had used combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) in the cycle preceding first CVR use (recent users) and 70 had no history of recent use (nonusers). Results Mean values at baseline were within the normal range for all four proteins but were higher for factor VIII, fibrinogen and SHBG and significantly lower for PS in recent compared to nonusers. During NES/EE CVR use, factor VIII, fibrinogen and PS were within the normal range; however, SHBG levels were increased by nearly 100% at Cycle 13. The change from baseline to final evaluation was statistically significant for all proteins in nonusers. The change in recent users was significant for factor VIII at Cycle 6 and for SHBG at Cycles 6 and 13, but not for PS or fibrinogen. Conclusion NES/EE CVR for up to 13 cycles was associated with changes from baseline in plasma levels of factor VIII, fibrinogen and PS that were within the normal range, with SHBG levels above the normal range by Cycle 6. Nonusers of CHC before CVR showed wider changes in values versus recent users whose baseline values were increased by previous EE exposure. Implications Recent use of CHCs demonstrated significant changes in all four measured hepatic proteins at baseline compared to nonusers. Use of the NES/EE CVR further changed these hepatic protein markers, but values remained within the normal range. Prebaseline exposure to estrogen can obscure interpretation of hepatic proteins changes associated with a second CHC.

To determine whether a 3-month contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR) delivering ulipristal acetate (UPA) can inhibit ovulation in 90% of cycles.This was a randomized dose-finding parallel group clinical trial. Fifty-five healthy women with normal ovulation at baseline were randomized to receive a low-dose (1500 μg/day) or a high-dose (2500 μg/day) UPA-CVR for two consecutive 12-week treatment periods, followed by a recovery cycle. A subgroup of women received levonorgestrel (LNG) 1.5 mg orally twice (at the end of both 12-week ring periods) or once (at the end of the 24-week treatment). The primary outcome was ovulation suppression assessed by transvaginal ultrasound and hormone levels. Secondary outcomes included endometrial safety and bleeding patterns.All subjects showed normal ovulation at baseline and recovery. Ovulation suppression was seen in 81.8% (95% CI: 73.3%, 88.5%) and 86.1% (95% CI: 78.1%, 92%) of treatment cycles with low and high-dose, respectively. Benign progesterone receptor modulator associated endometrial changes (PAEC) were seen during treatment; 78.8% at week 24, but resolved at recovery cycle. A few cases of heavy bleeding occurred near the end of the 24-week treatment, but a single dose of LNG every 12 weeks reduced the increase in endometrial thickness during the second treatment period and prevented excessive bleeding.The 3-month UPA-CVR may become an effective long-acting, user-controlled estrogen-free contraceptive. The greatest suppression of ovulation was seen with the 2500-μg/day ring.The 3-month CVR delivering UPA 2500 μg/day can become an effective user-controlled estrogen-free contraceptive method. Benign PAEC during treatment returns to normal after discontinuation. The prevention of occasional excessive withdrawal bleeding, either by a progestin or by using higher UPA levels to increase follicle suppression may permit prolonged treatment.

Objectives Develop and test a theoretical acceptability model for the Nestorone®/ethinyl estradiol contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR); explore whether domains of use within the model predict satisfaction, method adherence and CVR continuation. Study Design Four domains of use were considered relative to outcome markers of acceptability, that is, method satisfaction, adherence and continuation. A questionnaire to evaluate subjects' experiences relative to the domains, their satisfaction (Likert scale) and adherence to instructions for use was developed and administered to 1036 women enrolled in a 13-cycle Phase 3 trial. Method continuation was documented from the trial database. Stepwise logistic regression (LR) analysis was conducted and odds ratios (ORs) calculated to assess associations of satisfaction with questions from the four domains. Fisher's Exact Test was used to determine the association of satisfaction with outcome measures. Results A final acceptability model was developed based on the following determinants of CVR satisfaction: ease of use, side effects, expulsions/feeling the CVR and sexual activity including physical effects during intercourse. Satisfaction was high (89%) and related to higher method adherence [OR, 2.6 (1.3, 5.2)] and continuation [OR, 5.5 (3.5, 8.4)]. According to the LR analysis, attributes of CVR use representing items from the four domains — finding it easy to remove, not complaining of side effects, not feeling the CVR while wearing it and experiencing no change or an increase in sexual pleasure and/or frequency — were associated with higher odds of satisfaction. Conclusion Hypothesized domains of CVR use were related to satisfaction, which was associated with adherence and continuation. Results provide a scientific basis for introduction and future research. Implications Statement Acceptability research is important when introducing a new method of contraception and determining whether it can be a successful option in meeting the reproductive health needs of women and men. This study was designed to test a conceptual model of acceptability and identify factors associated with successful use of a new contraceptive delivery modality. Original research was conducted for this publication.