A self-inserted vaginal ring that protects from pregnancy for three weeks straight is now on sale in Australia.
Sexual health experts expect the NuvaRing to be popular among women who can overcome the hurdle of having to put the flexible plastic device in themselves.
"I imagine it will be well-liked among those who are comfortable using tampons and comfortable and familiar with their anatomy," said Dr Christine Read, medical director of Family Planning NSW.
The ring - which is slightly bigger than a fifty cent piece and resembles a calamari ring - is inserted into the vagina for a cycle of 21 days and then removed for seven days to induce a period.
It works by continually releasing oestrogen and progestogen into the bloodstream through the vaginal wall, keeping hormone levels more stable than the pill.
The device, available on private prescription, also contains lower doses of the hormones than the oral contraceptive pill, helping to limit hormone-related side-effects.
Trials found it to be 99 per cent effective against pregnancy, about the same as popular pill brands, and it also limited both irregular and heavy bleeding.
Dr Read expects rapid uptake of the new technology, particularly among young women, but said the $25-28 monthly cost would exclude some.
Women in their late 30s and 40s who have problems with irregular cycles could also benefit, she said.
But the fact the ring had to be self-inserted may affect its popularity.
"It's not for everybody because some people have a bit of difficulty with the whole concept of a vaginally-administered hormone contraceptive," Dr Read said.
"There's a certain reluctance to try it but, from our experience, once people give it a go they generally like it."
The ring can be removed for up to three hours at a time but specialists say it's better that women get into the habit of leaving it in.
"NuvaRing can be left in during sex and most guys won't even notice that it's there," said GP and reproductive health advocate Dr Sally Cockburn.
"As long as the ring has been inserted properly and pushed in towards the back, upper area, a woman won't feel it and it can't get lost."
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