Vaginal ringとは 意味・読み方・使い方

Vaginal rings (also known as intravaginal rings, or V-Rings) are polymeric drug delivery devices designed to provide controlled release of drugs to the vagina over extended periods of time. The ring is inserted into the vagina and provides contraception protection. Leaving the ring in for 3 weeks slowly releases oestrogen and progesterone hormones into the body. These hormones stop ovulation and thicken the cervical mucus, creating a barrier preventing sperms from fertilizing an egg. Worn continuously for three weeks followed by a week off, each vaginal ring provides one month of birth control. Several vaginal ring products are currently available, including:

• Estring - a low-dose estradiol-releasing ring, manufactured from silicone elastomer, for the treatment of vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis).
• Femring - a low-dose estradiol-acetate releasing ring, manufactured from silicone elastomer, for the relief of hot flashes and vaginal atrophy associated with menopause.
• NuvaRing - a low-dose contraceptive vaginal ring, manufactured from poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate), and releasing etonogestrel (a progestin or progestogen) ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen).