We've come a long way in developing safe, convenient and effective methods of birth control.

But the current choices aren't always a perfect fit for everyone.

There are still women who have trouble taking a pill at the same time every day, who gain weight from Depo Provera injections or who are allergic to spermicides.

The good news is that there are some new options in the wings.

The Transdermal Contraceptive System (TCS) and the Vaginal Ring are slated for release later this year.

While both use the same hormones — estrogen and progestin — as most birth control pills, they might have significant advantages over "the Pill" in terms of convenience.

TCS (brand name Evra).

This convenient patch allows the hormones to be absorbed continuously through the skin.

The patch is applied to the skin and is replaced with a new one weekly for three weeks, and then one week is allowed to pass without wearing a patch.

This schedule is repeated as long as the woman desires to use the method. Effectiveness of the TCS appears to be in the 98 to 99 percent range.

Since the ingredients are the same, TCS and the Pill produce similar side effects, the most common being breast tenderness, headache and nausea.

The patch is designed to adhere during bathing, swimming and exercising.

Only about 4 to 5 percent of patches in studies had to be replaced because of partially peeling or falling off.

The Vaginal Ring (brand name NuvaRing).

This flexible plastic ring contains estrogen and progestin. You place it in the vagina, where the hormones are gradually released and absorbed.

Once in place, it is removed after three weeks and another is placed one week later.

Placement is not difficult —nearly all women using the ring in research studies felt it was easy to insert and remove.

Most women reported that it was not felt by them or their partner during intercourse.

Side effects, risks and effectiveness of the NuvaRing are very similar to the transdermal patch.

Some women experience an increase of vaginal discharge while using the ring.

If a ring slips out, the woman is advised to rinse and re-insert it within three hours. Both of these contraceptive options are expected to be available by Summer 2002.

For more information, contact the Women's Health Department of University Health Services at 814-863-2633.