A researcher with Weill Cornell Medical College has developed a potentially revolutionary AIDS preventative in the form of a vaginal ring.
The ring is inserted into the vagina and releases antiretroviral drugs over a period of 28 days. The microbicides and other types of non-hormonal agents released by the ring then prevent HIV from infecting the subject.
Professor of reproductive biology and endocrinology Brij Saxena has authored a study on the ring for the journal AIDS in which she claims that laboratory testing had indicated that the ring would not only be effective in preventing the transmission of HIV but also in preventing pregnancy.
The medical and social consequences of such a device becoming widely available are, of course, massive. Indeed, it would be hard to quantify the sheer scale of the impact the vaginal ring would have on a global scale if proved successful, as clinical trials thus far have indicated it is.
A viral epidemic such as HIV has never been conquered and as such prevention is seen as the most effective way to fight them. The ring is, of course, preventative as opposed to curative and would represent the best option so far, outside of a vaccine.
It is hoped the ring will also empower women by giving them control of their own sexual health - the power to protect themselves against infection as well as control over their decision to become pregnant. The device also differs from other birth control in that it avoids the long term use of hormonal methods which have been associated with cancer.