ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To compare by electron microscopy the surface of vaginal contraceptive rings before and after use. METHODS: A single ring was worn for 28 days by a volunteer with normal vaginal flora. This worn ring was then cut in half, with one half placed directly into fixative and the other half rinsed to remove visible mucus prior to being placed into the fixative. Another ring was taken directly from the package and placed in fixative. The surfaces of the three ring samples were studied by scanning electron microscopy at varying magnifications to ascertain if there was penetration of bacteria into the vinyl polymer or if the ring surface was altered with 1 month of use. RESULTS: The ring half placed directly into fixative with visible mucus had cellular debris on its surface but no evidence of material penetration. The other half of the ring worn for 28 days and rinsed before fixation had a similar surface appearance to the unused ring. CONCLUSIONS: The surface of the ethylene vinyl acetate contraceptive vaginal ring is remarkably uniform and after 1 month of use was without visible evidence of erosion, embedded bacteria or structural changes compared to an unused ring.
