Present and future choice of pharmaceutical forms for intravaginal administration. II. Barrier systems and vaginal rings

: In part I of this review, various vaginal products for local and systemic treatment have been described and discussed. Part II is reserved to other intravaginal contraceptive systems. Some devices as diaphragms, sponges, ... have a mechanical contraceptive advantage associated or not with a spermicidal activity and can or cannot protect against venereal diseases. Other devices like intravaginal rings allow a long-acting and controlled release of contraceptive hormones and it is quite possible that they replace orale contraceptive dosage forms. Various approaches in designs, safety, effectiveness, inconvenience and advantages are discussed.