Australians will soon have access to a more affordable contraceptive option with the inclusion of the vaginal ring, NuvaRing, in the government’s medication subsidy scheme. Starting on November 1, 2023, this prescription contraceptive will be available at a significantly reduced cost under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), marking its first-time listing in the program.
The NuvaRing, which users insert into the vagina to release hormones that prevent ovulation, boasts a high effectiveness rate of 99.5 percent when used correctly. Currently, a three-pack of NuvaRing is available for $130 as a private prescription. However, under the PBS, general patients will pay only $31.60, while concessional patients will pay $7.70. Furthermore, from January 1, 2024, the maximum price for women will drop to $25 per script.
Dr. Sara Whitburn, medical director at Sexual Health Victoria, described the NuvaRing as a middle ground between daily contraceptive pills and long-acting reversible methods such as intrauterine devices (IUDs). “The ring offers a viable option for those who experience gastrointestinal issues with traditional pills,” she explained. While side effects may include acne, bloating, weight gain, and reduced libido, many find the ring a preferable alternative.
The introduction of the NuvaRing is part of a broader initiative announced by the federal government in February, which included a $573 million package aimed at enhancing women’s health. This initiative seeks to improve bulk billing for IUDs and birth control implants while adding new oral contraceptive pills to the PBS. The government estimates that these changes will benefit approximately 300,000 women annually, potentially saving them up to $400 in out-of-pocket expenses.
Health Minister Mark Butler stated that women’s health needs have been neglected for too long, highlighting Australia’s low uptake rates of long-acting contraceptives compared to other developed nations. “Access and affordability have been significant barriers,” Butler noted, emphasizing the importance of improving options for women across the country.
As the new measures take effect, many Australians may find the NuvaRing to be an appealing choice among available contraceptive methods, broadening access to affordable reproductive health care.
