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New delivery systems in contraception: vaginal rings
Elof D B Johansson1, Regine Sitruk-Ware
1Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY 10021, USA.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|April 24, 2004
Summary
Vaginal rings offer extended hormone release for contraception and therapy. This user-controlled method provides continuous low-dose steroids with advantages over daily pills.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Vaginal rings are gaining clinical acceptance for hormone delivery.
- They offer extended release of hormones via diffusion into vaginal tissue.
- Formulations vary in size and hormone release duration, from 3 weeks to 1 year.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development and clinical acceptance of vaginal ring technology.
- To highlight the advantages and applications of hormonal vaginal rings.
- To discuss ongoing research and approved formulations for contraception and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and product information on vaginal rings.
- Analysis of hormone release mechanisms and pharmacokinetic profiles.
- Summary of clinical outcomes and regulatory approvals.
Main Results:
- Vaginal rings provide user-controlled, continuous low-dose steroid delivery.
- Approved and investigational rings offer contraception for 1 month to 1 year.
- Progesterone-releasing rings are available for breastfeeding women and potential IVF therapy.
- Combination rings show very low pregnancy rates and side effect profiles similar to oral contraceptives.
Conclusions:
- Hormonal vaginal rings are an effective and convenient method for contraception and hormone therapy.
- Ongoing research focuses on optimizing formulations for efficacy, safety, and user satisfaction.
- Combination rings represent a significant advancement in long-acting reversible contraception.