Analysis and new contraception frontiers with combined vaginal rings

Abstract

Combined vaginal rings (ethinylestradiol (EE)/desogestrel), indicated for contraception, are highly effective, comparable to other combined hormonal contraceptives, such as pills. In addition to this benefit, vaginal rings are easy to use, with a probable lower risk of forgetting, due to their non-daily, monthly schedule. Besides, for users with poor gastric tolerance to oral formulations, they represent a method with safety and comparable extraconceptive benefits. The latest generation rings have a novel polymeric structure, do not need special storage methods and do not generate accelerated initial release of EE, reducing the early increased systemic exposure to the synthetic steroids they contain. This review describes main aspects related to its use, efficacy, and safety for contraceptive purposes.

摘要

复方阴道环(乙炔雌二醇(EE)/去氧孕烯)是一种高效的避孕方法, 可以与其他激素联合避孕方法（如避孕药）相媲美。除此之外, 阴道环易于使用, 由于它们不是每日、每月的时间安排, 遗忘的风险可能更低。此外, 对于口服制剂胃耐受性差的使用者来说, 它们代表了一种具有安全性和可比的额外益处的方法。最新一代的环具有一种新型的聚合结构, 不需要特殊的存储方法, 也不会加速EE的初始释放, 减少了早期增加的对其所含合成类固醇的全身暴露。这篇综述介绍了与避孕用途、功效和安全性相关的主要方面。

The Chinese abstracts are translated by Prof. Dr. Xiangyan Ruan and her team: Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100026, China.

Keywords:

• Vaginal ring
• contraception
• polymers
• Latin America

Disclosure statement

Dr. Barriga, Dr. Galán, and Dr. Von Hoveling report no conflict of interest. Dr. López-Berroa is the Exeltis LATAM Medical Director.