Contraceptive gives a new 'ring' to birth control options

Drug Store News, Nov 5, 2001 by Diane West

WASHINGTON -- The Food and Drug Administration has given approval to a new ring-shaped contraceptive that can be left in a woman's body for three weeks at a time, but most consumers will have to wait until spring to try it.

The prescription product, NuvaRing (etonogestrel/ ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring) works by releasing low doses of estrogen and progestin into the body for 21 days. Hormones are released from a 2-inch, bendable polymer ring that a woman inserts into her vagina on or before the fifth day of her period. The internal position of the ring doesn't matter, according to marketer Organon, because it isn't a barrier method.

After 21 days, the woman takes the ring out, has her period and inserts a new ring.

Marketers hope the ring will appeal to women who are wary of taking daily birth control pills and those who want to forgo the awkwardness and insecurity of diaphrams and condoms, though the ring can be used with them.

The ring currently is only available through a special. "NuvaRing Premier Program" and participating doctors Organon expects it to hit pharmacies by mid-2002. More information can be found al http://www.nuvaring.com or by calling the manufacturer at 1-877-NUVARING.

Like oral contraceptives, the ring doesn't work right away and must be used with a backup method during the first month. Another method must be used for seven days if the ring is out of the body for more than three hours. Users place themselves at an increased risk for blood clots and other thromboembolic diseases. Also, users shouldn't smoke.