Summary: A new contraceptive is on the horizon that will protect against both sexually transmitted diseases AND pregnancy.The development of a contraceptive that protects against both sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy in the form of a vaginal ring was announced at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists' annual meeting. Similar to the existent NuvaRing contraceptive, the new vaginal ring is inserted into the vagina and lasts up to 90 days. The vaginal ring would prevent pregnancy by releasing levonorgestrel, a hormonal contraceptive. The ring would also prevent against sexually transmitted diseases by releasing tenofovir, an antiretroviral that has been proven to prevent replication of HIV and herpes. Head of drug delivery, Dr. Meredith Clark, PhD, explains the benefits and risks of the new contraceptive, as well as when the human trials are set to begin.
