Abstract: Objective To study the changes of vaginal microenvironment after NuvaRing contraceptive ring placement. Methods For 20 women who received vaginal contraceptive ring placement, vaginal discharge of different cycles were examined with five joint inspections of vaginitis and microscopy. Concentrations of IL-2 and IL-8 in vaginal lavage of all subjects were determined with radioimmunoassay (RIA). Results After the ring was placed for a cycle, the concentrations of IL-2 and IL-8 were risen (P<0.05). However, after the ring was placed for 3 to 6 cycles, the concentrations of IL-2 and IL-8 dropped and returned normal (P>0.05). Five joint inspections of vaginitis and microscopy showed that pH value, quantification of leukocytes, lactobacilli, bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), and trichomonal vaginitis (TV) of vaginal discharge had no significant difference compared with the indexes before the ring was placed. Conclusion Vaginal contraceptive ring increases the concentrations of IL-2 and IL-8 initially, which will return normal after vagina adaptes to the ring. Vaginal ring has no obvious effects on vaginal acid circumstances and couldn't lead to the growth of other bacteria.

Key words: Vaginal contraceptive ring, Vaginal microenvironment, Five joint inspections of vaginitis, Inflammatory factor