Factors associated with willingness to use the contraceptive vaginal ring

Acceptability of the Vaginal Contraceptive Ring Among Adolescent Women

“…However, similar to other work, 29 we did detect an association in willingness to try to the vaginal ring with contraceptive patch use, which may be related to adolescent women preferring alternative and more convenient contraceptive methods over oral contraceptive pills. Our study found no relationships with any other sexual health variables.…”

“…Recent work indicates that the vaginal ring is an acceptable contraceptive option for adolescent women; 16e18,29 our results align with current trends of the vaginal ring as an underutilized (and potentially underappreciated) form of contraception, as only 3 (1.5%) adolescent women reported use. 16,18,20,21,29 However, over one third of the adolescent women indicated that they were willing to try the vaginal ring after receiving educational materials and healthcare providers were identified as the most important source of information influencing contraceptive choices highlighting the important role of providers in contraceptive decision making for young women.…”

“…30 Our study findings confirm and extend this research that the main barrier to vaginal ring use and acceptability among adolescents is related to method of insertion and being comfortable with their genitals. 17,20,29 In order to use the vaginal ring, adolescent women need to become comfortable with their genitals, thus highlighting the importance of education and practice in clinical and nonclinical settings.…”

Contraceptive Care for Adolescents

“…A survey of college-aged women showed a more than eightfold preference for oral over vaginal administration of contraception, despite a preference for less frequent dosing. 13 However, in a survey of 164 adolescents and young adult women aged 14 to 21 years, 58% said that they liked the idea of using a vaginal ring for contraception, after they had been educated about it. Factors associated with liking the idea of ring use were comfort with using at least 1 vaginal product and having had at least 1 pelvic examination.…”

Preferences for new and existing contraceptive products

“…At the start of the trial in which women used the vaginal ring, almost 66% of women indicated the pill was the best perceived method of contraception, but after 13 months of using the ring, 81% reported that the ring was the best perceived method. Gilliam et al (2007) found that a much larger percentage of North American college students expressed willingness to use the transdermal patch and vaginal ring than were actually using it, despite their availability. There was a negative correlation between willingness to use new methods and current use of the oral pill.…”