Women's Health Research Newsletter
June 2005

Hormonal Contraception:  Looking beyond the Pill

For many women, the idea of hormonal contraception and oral contraceptives (the pill) have been synonymous.  However, the past few years have seen new contributions to this area of reproductive health, and there are now two new options for women interested in the hormonal benefits of contraception but  do not want to take the pill.

The Ring

NuvaRing — is a reversible prescription method of birth control.  It works through the release of the same two hormones that are most commonly used in the pill—estrogen and progestin, and comes in the form of a small ring that is inserted into the vagina once a month.  It should remain in place for three weeks, and should be removed for the fourth week, during which time your menstrual period will occur.  As with the pill, the hormones work to either prevent ovulation or to thicken the mucus around the cervix, which stops sperm from reaching an egg. 

Current statistics indicate an efficacy rate equivalent to that of the oral contraceptive pill.  Fewer than one woman out of 100 will become pregnant while using the Ring, provided it is used correctly. 

This is a great option for women who struggle to remember to take their pill everyday (which is not a personal flaw!) or are perhaps in a situation where doing so is awkward.  Women choosing this option must be comfortable inserting something into their vagina. 

The Patch

Ortho Evra — is another reversible prescription method of birth control.  It is a small patch that is placed on the skin (buttocks, stomach, arm, or upper torso, avoiding the breasts) one time a week for three weeks; the patch should not be applied during the fourth week.  The patch releases the same synthetic hormones as found in the ring, and works to prevent pregnancy in the same fashion as the ring and the pill.

As with the ring, statistics indicate a minimal risk of pregnancy with this method of contraception.  Fewer than one woman per 100 will get pregnant using this method, provided it is used correctly. 

This is another great option for women who, for whatever reason, have trouble with the daily regimen required by the oral contraceptive pill.

The Benefits of Hormones

It will take considerable time for studies to indicate the exact benefits of the Ring and the Patch. However, because of the similarities in hormone doses between these two methods and the oral contraceptive pill, researchers believe they could provide similar long term health benefits, including, but not limited to controlling irregular menstrual cycles, preventing noncancerous breast growths, and preventing certain cancers, such as uterine and ovarian cancer.  Also, because the Ring and the Patch are not taken orally, there may be fewer gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea or upset stomach, than there are with oral contraceptives.

Study Opportunity

The Women’s Health Research Unit at Oregon Health & Science University is currently conducting a study examining women’s preferences for either the Ring or the Patch.

The purpose of this study is to determine women’s preference of the patch or the ring. The study will compare side effects and measure women’s acceptability of either the Patch or the Ring. Both the Patch and the Ring have been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as birth control methods, and are currently available for use. 

Eligible participants are healthy women between the ages of 18 and 45 who either are currently, or have recently (within the last three months) used a combined oral contraceptive. Participants must be willing to use either the Ring or the Patch for four cycles, or the duration of the study. There is no cost for participation in this study, patients will receive study medication and healthcare exams at no cost, and you will be compensated for your participation. If you agree to join and do not withdraw later, you will be in this study up to 4 months, with a total of 3 visits to the clinic and 1 phone visit. Approximately 500 women in the United States will participate in the study, 50 subjects will be recruited at OHSU.

If you are interested in learning about this, or other study opportunities within the Women’s Health Research Unit, please call our confidential recruitment line on (503) 494-3666.

For more information about this, or any of our study opportunities, please call our confidential recruitment line at 503 494-3666, or visit our website at http://www.ohsuwomenshealth.com/research/current.html/

Insurance coverage is not required in order to participate on one of our studies.

Heidi P. Milliken, Ph.D.
Division Manager
Women’s Health Research Unit
Oregon Health & Sciences University