Purpose:
To assess the relationship between combined contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR) and vaginal microbiome using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
Materials and methods:
We enrolled 20 women for 8 weeks in an open-label study using CVR (NuvaRing®) that delivered 15 mcg ethinylestradiol and 120 mcg etonogestrel daily.
The vaginal microbiome was assessed at baseline and after 2 months by sequencing the 16S rRNA genes amplified from the total genomic DNA isolated from the sample.
Results:
Bacterial distribution richness and equity did not significantly change after 2 months, and the dominant bacterial strain was Lactobacillus crispatus.
Only one woman with a history of vestibulodynia and recurrent vulvovaginitis showed an increase in bacterial biodiversity, with a switch to the relative abundance of anaerobic bacteria.
Conclusions:
Our results suggest that CVR does not adversely affect the composition and structure of the vaginal microbiome.
However, special care should be taken in patients with a history of vestibulodynia and/or recurrent vulvovaginal infections.
To assess the relationship between combined contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR) and vaginal microbiome using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
Materials and methods:
We enrolled 20 women for 8 weeks in an open-label study using CVR (NuvaRing®) that delivered 15 mcg ethinylestradiol and 120 mcg etonogestrel daily.
The vaginal microbiome was assessed at baseline and after 2 months by sequencing the 16S rRNA genes amplified from the total genomic DNA isolated from the sample.
Results:
Bacterial distribution richness and equity did not significantly change after 2 months, and the dominant bacterial strain was Lactobacillus crispatus.
Only one woman with a history of vestibulodynia and recurrent vulvovaginitis showed an increase in bacterial biodiversity, with a switch to the relative abundance of anaerobic bacteria.
Conclusions:
Our results suggest that CVR does not adversely affect the composition and structure of the vaginal microbiome.
However, special care should be taken in patients with a history of vestibulodynia and/or recurrent vulvovaginal infections.