The vaginal ring and transdermal patch: new methods of contraception

The most common method of reversible contraception used worldwide is the intrauterine device. However, in the Asia-Pacific the combined oral contraceptive pill and condoms, methods of contraception that require a high degree of day-to-day user compliance, are more popular. The combined vaginal ring and transdermal patch have been developed to overcome the need for daily compliance associated with combined pill use. They have the added advantages of non-oral delivery, thus avoiding gastro-intestinal interference with absorption, and in addition there is no hepatic first-pass effect. Both have been available internationally for some years and offer an alternative to the combined pill. This article reviews and summarises published data on these new methods.