Comprehensive overview of the recently FDA-approved contraceptive vaginal ring releasing segesterone acetate and ethinylestradiol: A new year-long, patient controlled, reversible birth control method

Introduction: This is an overview of the recently FDA-approved silicone elastomer combined hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR), which is used cyclically for up to 1 year, eliminating resupply challenges. This ring requires no refrigeration, simplifying the supply chain. Developed by the Population Council, this CVR will soon be marketed in the United States as Annovera? by TherapeuticsMD. Areas Covered: The composition of the elastomer ring and the chemical, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of both hormonal components are discussed. Results of the clinical trials of its efficacy, tolerability, safety, and acceptability follow. Finally, subanalyses from the clinical trials are presented to guide clinicians in counseling potential users. Expert Opinion: This CVR introduces a new progestin ? segesterone acetate (SA) ? that has no androgenic or estrogenic action in vitro or in vivo, but has the highest anti-ovulatory potential of all available progestins. SA is paired with EE in an intravaginal elastomer ring, that is used cyclically (21 days in place/7 days removed) to provide 12 months (13 cycles) of contraception. This once-a-month, self-applied CVR offers a convenient, rapidly reversible, year-long contraception with efficacy and side effect profiles similar to other combined hormonal methods, for women with BMI < 29 kg/m(2).