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FDA Approves New Birth Control Option

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved NuvaRing, a new birth control method for women that can prevent pregnancy for a month at a time. NuvaRing, a flexible ring about three inches in diameter, is inserted into the vagina where it releases a continuous dose of estrogen and progestin. These hormones are the same ones currently found in oral contraceptives. NuvaRing also has the same effectiveness as oral contraceptives, preventing pregnancy in 99 percent of women in clinical trials. Women using the ring will insert it into the vagina themselves. The ring remains inserted for three weeks, after which it must be removed and replaced with a new ring on or before the fifth day of the menstrual period. NuvaRing, manufactured by Organaon, Inc., will be widely available next summer by prescription only.

Sources:

Kaiser Daily Reproductive Health Report, 10/4/01

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