Researchers testing new contraceptive ring

February 22, 1998
Web posted at: 6:51 p.m. EST (2351 GMT)

(CNN) -- Researchers are preparing to offer women a new contraceptive that they say has many of the benefits of the birth control pill with fewer side effects.

Expected to be on the market by the year 2000, the contraceptive vaginal ring developed by Organon Pharmaceuticals releases hormones similar to the birth control pill.

"It contains the two female hormones that are in the birth control pill ... and it's slowly released on a daily basis by the ring," said Dr. Howard Reisman of Atlanta North Gynecology. "It's absorbed directly by the reproductive organs."

Early studies of the ring -- used three weeks out of the month -- show that it is as reliable as the pill in preventing pregnancy, and that it produces fewer side effects.

CNN's Rhonda Rowland examines a new contraceptive that could offer women an alternative to the pill.

"The ideal patient is the patient who really loves the effects of the pill -- the light periods, the regular periods, the decrease in menstrual cramps -- but can't take the other side effects of the pill," Reisman said.

No longer a candidate for the pill because she is over 35 and a smoker, Deborah Revis got involved in testing the new contraceptive ring.

She had been suffering from the pill's side effects. "I started having major mood swings, emotionally out of control, and knew that it was related to the pill," she said.

The only side effect Revis has experienced from the vaginal ring is a more pronounced ovulation pain, although Reisman says increased vaginal discharge and irritation also can occur.

Revis says the ring, which is inserted into the vaginal vault, is easy to insert and "absolutely comfortable."

"I can't tell it's there," she said, adding that it is comfortable during sex as well.

Another new contraceptive also may be appearing on the market. The Population Council is working on a patch that would dispense hormones through the skin, similar to a nicotine patch.

"In real life, I think both the patch and the ring will be more effective because the compliance will be higher. It will be easier for women to use it in an effective way," said Dr. Elof Johnasson of the Population Council.

Correspondent Rhonda Rowland contributed to this report.

Related stories:

• Unplanned pregnancy rate drops in U.S. - January 18, 1998
• FDA panel endorses 'morning after' pill - June 29, 1996
• New research on a 'male pill' shows promise - June 13, 1996
• New male contraceptive found 99 percent effective - April 2, 1996
• Teen pregnancies on upswing in U.S. - April 3, 1996

Related sites:

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• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Food and Drug Administration Home Page
• Planned Parenthood

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