The combined hormonal contraceptive ring, NuvaRing® is not currently available in the UK, but is being used in Europe and the USA.
Nuvaring® is a novel once a month vaginal ring. It is a convenient and highly effective alternative to combined oral contraceptives (COCs). NuvaRing is easy to use because it avoids the need for daily administration, yet provides users with full control over their contraceptive choice. It contains:
The ring provides a constant hormone release directly into the bloodstream through the vaginal wall. The method of action is via inhibition of ovulation. The ring is 5.4 cm outer diameter, 4 mm thick, and made of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate).
It is not currently known when the combined vaginal ring (NuvaRing) will be licensed and available in the United Kingdom.
References:
Clinical Effectiveness Unit (CEU) of the Faculty of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care (FFPRHC) October 2005
Sarkar N. The combined contraceptive vaginal device (NuvaRing): a comprehensive review. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care 2005; 10: 73-78.
Roumen F J, op ten Berg M M, Hoomans E H. The combined contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing): first experience in daily clinical practice in The Netherlands. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care 2006; 11: 14-22.
Miller L, Verhoeven CH, Hout J. Extended regimens of the contraceptive vaginal ring: a randomized trial. Obstet Gynecol 2005; 106: 473-482.
Medical Eligibility Criteria for contraceptive use. Third edition. 2004. World Health Organization.
Gallo M F, Grimes D A, Schulz K F. Skin patch and vaginal ring versus combined oral contraceptives for contraception. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006 Issue 2.