Would Use of Combined Contraceptive Vaginal Rings Increase The Risk of STIs?

Combined contraceptive vaginal rings (CCVR) are one of the many available contraceptive options. They have good efficacy against pregnancy, are one of the best options for women desiring to maintain their periods and beneficial in reducing acne. Nuvaring contains estrogen and progestin and is used for a cycle of three weeks and a week off. The most common side effects include vaginal irritation or expulsion of the ring.

In this post, we are aiming to shed light on the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with vaginal ring use. Based on data from a pair of studies presented at the annual clinical and scientific meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), use of combined contraceptive vaginal rings was associated with an increased risk for several types of STIs. This might be due to possible changes in immunity in the female genital tract caused by the contraceptive rings.

A retrospective chart review, compared the STI risk in a group of women using CCVRs to women using oral contraceptive pills (OCP). The results showed an increased risk of infections like Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2), candidiasis, trichomoniasis, and pelvic inflammatory disease to name a few. By contrast, use of CCVRs was significantly linked to a decreased chlamydia risk. There was no difference in risk for gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, or anogenital warts between the CCVR and OCP groups.

However, the findings of the study were limited and further study of the effect of local hormone delivery on the vaginal mucosa is needed.

Ladies, it is important to remember that the vaginal rings delivering hormones are indicated only for birth control, not for protection against STIs or HIV, and women at a higher risk for these infections should protect themselves by using barrier methods (condoms).

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Reference:

Vaginal Ring Use Raises Risk for Certain STIs (medscape.com)