Impact of Contraceptive Vaginal Ring on Female Sexual Function: A Review
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Effects of the Combined Contraceptive Vaginal Ring on Female Sexual Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Sedigheh Abdollahpour, Akram Ashrafizaveh, Elham Azmoude
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Effects of the Combined Contraceptive Vaginal Ring on Female Sexual Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2023.30.1.3
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The impact of contraceptive vaginal ring devices on female sexual function has been a subject of ongoing debate, prompting researchers to conduct meta-analyses to clarify these conflicting findings. This review evaluated the effects of vaginal rings on women's sexual function through an extensive analysis of intervention studies published up to July 2021. The research included an overview of various databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, culminating in the analysis of five studies encompassing a total of 369 participants. The findings reveal insights into the short- and long-term effects of these contraceptive methods on sexual well-being.
Important Concept: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Effects on Sexual Function
The analysis demonstrated that the NuvaRing had a statistically significant positive effect on women's sexual function three months post-insertion, resulting in a weighted mean difference (WMD) of 2.48 (95% CI: 0.30, 4.67; P = 0.026). However, this benefit was not observed over a longer time frame; after six months, the effect became statistically insignificant (WMD: 4.38; 95% CI: −4.95, 13.72; P = 0.357). Notably, the meta-regression indicated that factors such as the participants’ age and body mass index (BMI) were associated with these outcomes, suggesting that user characteristics may influence the effectiveness of vaginal rings on sexual function.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the findings of this meta-analysis indicate that while the vaginal ring is associated with a positive effect on female sexual function in the initial three months following insertion, it does not maintain this positive influence after six months. Due to the limited number of quality studies available, further high-quality, randomized controlled trials are essential to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how vaginal rings affect women's sexual health over both short and long durations. This ongoing research is crucial for informing healthcare providers and users about the implications of using hormonal contraceptive methods like vaginal rings.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the meta-analysis?
The meta-analysis investigates the effects of contraceptive vaginal rings, particularly NuvaRing, on women's sexual function, addressing conflicting findings in existing literature.
What databases were searched for relevant studies?
The researchers searched databases including PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up to July 2021 for intervention studies examining vaginal rings and sexual function.
What were the results three months after inserting NuvaRing?
The pooled results indicated that NuvaRing had a positive effect on women's sexual function three months after insertion, with a significant weighted mean difference of 2.48.
What conclusions were drawn from the results after six months?
After six months, the effect of NuvaRing on sexual function was insignificant. The study concludes that while there is a positive impact initially, the benefits may not persist over time.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Impact of Contraceptive Vaginal Ring on Female Sexual Function: A Review”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Study (Studying):
A study serves as a systematic investigation conducted to establish facts or principles. In the context of the provided text, it refers to the research on the effects of contraceptive vaginal rings on women's sexual function. Such studies are vital for understanding health interventions and influencing clinical guidelines.
2) Table:
A table organizes data systematically, facilitating easy comparison and comprehension. In the context of the document, tables present results from various studies, showcasing insights into participants, methodologies, and outcomes, which aids in clarifying data and supporting findings concerning the vaginal ring's impact on sexual health.
3) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard or caliber of findings derived from research, reflecting the effectiveness of the methods used. In the study, assessing the quality of included studies elucidates the validity of results related to vaginal rings, influencing the interpretation and credibility of the overall conclusions drawn.
4) Desire:
Desire pertains to a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something. In the context of sexual function, understanding women's desires regarding sexual experiences is critical, as it relates to the contraceptive methods used, potentially influencing sexual satisfaction and the effectiveness of these contraception options.
5) Life:
Life encompasses the biological and psychosocial experiences of individuals. In the provided text, the term refers to the sexual life affected by contraceptive methods. The interplay between contraception and sexual life quality is crucial for assessing the overall impact of vaginal rings and their acceptance among users.
6) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. In the context of the study, it underscores the need for evidence-based evaluations of contraceptive methods, ensuring that findings are credible and can guide informed health decisions.
7) Family:
Family refers to a group of individuals living together, often influencing personal choices and reproductive health decisions. Understanding the dynamics of family planning in relation to contraceptive usage helps researchers comprehend societal needs and expectations regarding sexual health and contraceptive efficacy.
8) Rules:
Rules represent guidelines or standards dictating how research should be conducted. In the study, rules related to study selection or data extraction ensure consistency and reliability in findings on vaginal rings. These protocols are essential for maintaining the integrity and systematic nature of scientific research.
9) Measurement:
Measurement pertains to the process of quantifying characteristics or outcomes. In research, accurately measuring sexual function and related factors is vital to understanding the effects of contraception. The methods used influence data interpretation and facilitate comparisons across different studies for comprehensive analysis.
10) Discussion:
Discussion is the section where researchers interpret findings, analyze implications, and address limitations. In this study, the discussion elaborates on how the effects of vaginal rings on sexual function were analyzed, contextualizing the results and linking them to broader themes in reproductive health.
11) Activity:
Activity indicates the various actions or behaviors undertaken by individuals. In the realm of sexual health, identifying levels of sexual activity among users of contraceptive methods provides valuable insights into how contraception affects intimate relationships and overall satisfaction, helping guide future interventions.
12) Bleeding:
Bleeding refers to the discharge of blood, commonly linked to side effects of contraceptive methods. In this context, the study addresses how bleeding irregularities from vaginal rings impact sexual function, emphasizing the importance of understanding these effects in evaluating overall user experience and satisfaction.
13) Post:
Post indicates a period following a specific event or action. In a research setting, this term often denotes follow-up assessments after interventions, crucial for determining the long-term effects of contraceptive methods like vaginal rings on sexual function and user satisfaction over time.
14) Similarity:
Similarity refers to the extent to which two or more elements are alike. In research, examining similarities among study populations or methodologies helps ascertain the generalizability of findings regarding vaginal rings, which is crucial for establishing broader implications for diverse groups.
15) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses the facts, information, and skills acquired through education or experience. In the context of sexual health, enhancing knowledge about the effects of contraceptive methods empowers women to make informed decisions, impacting overall sexual function and satisfaction positively.
16) Anxiety:
Anxiety refers to feelings of worry, apprehension, or nervousness about potential outcomes. In sexual health, understanding anxiety associated with contraceptive use can shed light on its effects on sexual function. Identifying and managing such concerns are essential for improving the overall user experience with vaginal rings.
17) Forest:
Forest, in this context, may refer to the metaphorical 'forest of data' in research analysis. The term illustrates the challenges researchers face when navigating through extensive study results and data points, emphasizing the importance of clear data presentation for effective understanding and decision-making.
18) Reason:
Reason denotes the justification or rationale behind actions or findings in research. In the study, establishing clear reasons for observed effects of vaginal rings on sexual function is crucial for understanding user experiences and for guiding future research directions or interventions.
19) Debate:
Debate refers to discussions regarding differing viewpoints or opinions. In the context of this study, debates surrounding the effects of contraceptive vaginal rings on sexual function underscore the complexities of reproductive health, highlighting the need for more thorough research to inform healthcare practices.
20) Birth:
Birth pertains to the process of childbirth and family planning aspects. In this context, understanding how contraceptive methods like vaginal rings impact reproductive choices influences broader discussions on effective family planning strategies and women's health, ensuring informed decision-making regarding reproduction.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Impact of Contraceptive Vaginal Ring on Female Sexual Function: A Review’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Sexual desire, Sexual activity, Sexual intercourse, Sexual health, Foreign body, Statistical analysis, Quality of life, Sexual behaviour, Positive effect, Follow-up, Sexual life, Sexual behavior, Sexual satisfaction, Quality assessment, Family planning, Sexual dysfunction, Inclusion criteria, Exclusion criteria, Randomized controlled trial, Sample size, Study population, Body mass index, Sexual Function, Qualitative analysis, Objective assessment, Meta analysis, Data extraction, Systematic Review, Preliminary report, Publication bias, Observational studies, Uterine bleeding, Hormonal contraceptives, Vaginal health, Psychological reassurance, Body image, Reproductive-aged women, Subgroup analysis, Sensitivity analysis, Search strategy, Intervention studies, Contraceptive method, Lactobacilli, Oral contraceptive, Contraceptive use, Study Selection, Meta-regression analysis, Oral contraception, Sexual arousal, Hormonal contraception, Vaginal ring, Effect Size, Heterogeneity, Funnel plot, Random effect model, Study selection process, Baseline.