Reversible AND Forgettable: the Annovera Vaginal Contraceptive Ring Has Advantages
The best contraceptive methods are “forgettable” as they are so easy to use, affordable, and effective, AND can function as control of menstrual cycles.
Annovera, made by the The Population Council, Inc) is a vaginal ring contraceptive that can be used for an entire year to prevent pregnancy.
There is the estrogen hormone ethinyl estradiol which is similar to natural estrogen, in Annovera, and unlike many hormonal methods where the progestin component is testosterone derived, the progestin in Annovera is derived from natural progesterone. The overall dosage makes Annovera one of the lowest combined contraceptives levels of estrogen.
Annovera is less likely to cause weight gain, acne, oily skin, breast tenderness, or mood changes. And the studies had no
The efficacy and safety of Annovera were studied in healthy women ranging in age from 18 to 40 years. about two to four women out of 100 may get pregnant during the first year they use Annovera. It has not been extensively studied in obese women, and the method is not for women over the age of 35 who smoke.
These hormonal contraceptive rings should be able to bring the same non-contraceptive benefits to women that the oral contraceptive pill has brought, including:
• less pelvic inflammatory disease,
• fewer menstrual cramps,
• lighter menstrual bleeding,
• less anemia,
• fewer uterine fibroids,
• less rheumatoid arthritis,
• fewer ovarian cysts,
• less uterine and ovarian cancer
• greater bone density.
• fewer tubal pregnancies
• fewer tubal infections
• less fibrocystic breast disease, and
• possibly protection against atherosclerosis and heart disease
Annovera, like NuvaRing, and the oral contraceptive pill, carries a boxed warning relating to cigarette smoking and serious cardiovascular events. The press release information states that women aged over 35 years who smoke should not use Annovera. Cigarette smoking increases the risk for serious cardiovascular events from combination hormonal contraceptive use. The current recommendation in women with migraines are to discuss your options with your provider.
Annovera is contraindicated in women with a high risk for arterial or venous thrombotic diseases; current or history of breast cancer or other estrogen- or progestin-sensitive cancers; liver tumors, acute hepatitis, or decompensated cirrhosis; undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding; hypersensitivity to any of the components of Annovera.
The most common side effects in women using Annovera are similar to those of other combined hormonal contraceptive products and include headache/migraine, nausea/vomiting, yeast infections, abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, diarrhea, and genital itching.
The choice of a contraceptive is individual, and should be done at your yearly gynecologic visit. Call WHP health for an appointment.
