A longer-lasting contraceptive ring

Is this the future of birth control?

Any one of these contraception methods could soon be available in Canada. Here's the latest research on birth control

By Rhea Seymour

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A longer-lasting contraceptive ring

The NES/EE contraceptive ring, being developed by the Population Council in New York, is similar to the NuvaRing (see above). But a NES/EE would last one year—the ring is inserted for three weeks, then removed for a week (during which time you’ll get your period); then the same ring is inserted again, and so on. This makes it convenient, says Ruth Merkatz, director of clinical development of reproductive health at the Population Council. Since NES/EE does not require refrigeration prior to insertion—the Nuva-Ring does if not inserted before four months—or insertion by a healthcare provider, it may improve access to birth control for women in the developing world. It’s expected to be available in the U.S. by 2015 and then, if all goes well, in Canada.