A New Year-Long Combination Hormonal Contraceptive

Abstract

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new combination hormonal contraceptive in August 2018. Sold under the brand name Annovera, it is a combination of segesterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol, and it is the first multiuse vaginal contraceptive system that prevents ovulation for up to 13 menstrual cycles in a year. Although there are several combination hormonal contraceptives on the market, this is the first single system that can be repeatedly used for an entire year and does not require placement by a health care provider. This innovation gives women control over when to stop using the contraceptive, should they so desire. Annovera is stored at room temperature when not in use, allowing women living in uncontrolled-temperature climates to use one contraceptive method for an entire year.

Keywords: Annovera; birth control; combination hormonal contraceptive; ethinyl estradiol; segesterone acetate; unintended pregnancy; vaginal ring.