Share this @internewscast.com
Australians will have access to another affordable contraception option as a vaginal ring will be added to the government’s medication subsidy scheme for the first time.
The NuvaRing is a prescription contraceptive method that is inserted into the vagina by the user and distributes hormones to stop ovulation.
Used correctly, the ring is 99.5 per cent effective, which is similar to other hormonal contraceptive options.
The NuvaRing is available in a three-pack as a private script for $130.

Beginning November 1, a significant update to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will bring financial relief to many. The cost of the NuvaRing for general patients will be reduced to $31.60, while those with concession cards will pay just $7.70.

From 1 January, the maximum women will pay per script will be $25.
Within the contraceptive landscape, the ring falls in between a daily pill and a long-acting reversible such as an IUD, Sexual Health Victoria medical director Dr Sara Whitburn said.
Side effects of the ring are similar to the contraceptive pill, including acne, bloating, weight gain and reduced libido.
But Whitburn said it could be a good option for people who have stomach upsets from taking the pill.
In February, the federal government announced a $573 million women’s health package to increase bulk billing for IUDs and birth control implants, as well as added new oral contraceptive pills to the PBS.

This inclusion of the NuvaRing in the PBS is an essential part of a broader initiative aimed at making contraceptive options more affordable. Advocates emphasize that cost often plays a crucial role in determining which contraceptive methods women choose.

Women holding posters reading "My body, my choice" during a protest march.

The update is poised to have a substantial impact, particularly in the realm of long-acting reversible contraceptives. It is anticipated that approximately 300,000 women will benefit annually from these changes, potentially saving them up to $400 in out-of-pocket expenses.

The changes linked to long-acting reversible contraceptives are expected to benefit around 300,000 women each year and save them up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs.

Health Minister Mark Butler said women’s health needs had been sidelined for too long.
“Australia has one of the lowest uptake rates in the developed world of long-acting contraceptives, partly due to access and affordability.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Sheikh Hasina Receives Death Sentence in Connection with Student Crackdown

A Bangladesh court has sentenced ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death…
Too late to stop 1000 years of deadly heatwaves, Aussie scientists say

Aussie Scientists Warn: Unstoppable 1000-Year Heatwave Crisis Looms

The planet is bracing for a millennium of perilous heatwaves, regardless of…

Victorian Liberals Brace for Leadership Shake-Up Ahead of Upcoming State Election

Victoria’s Liberals are preparing for another leadership change with just 12 months…
Trump's Epstein files capitulation betrays a rare weakness

Trump’s Unexpected Surrender on Epstein Files Reveals Uncommon Vulnerability

The Jeffrey Epstein files saga is far from over, even after US…

Australian Cycling Community Mourns Loss of Paralympian Gold Medalist Paige Greco

Australian Paralympic gold medallist Paige Greco has died aged 28. The para-cyclist…
Dozens killed in bus crash near holy site

Tragic Bus Accident Near Sacred Landmark Claims Numerous Lives

Dozens of Indian pilgrims are feared dead after a bus collision near…

Australian Authorities Cancel South African Man’s Visa Following Neo-Nazi Rally at NSW Parliament

A South African man who attended a neo-Nazi rally that chanted Hitler…
Gold Coast hospital beds held by aged care and NDIS patients with nowhere to go

Gold Coast Hospitals Strain Under Pressure as Aged Care and NDIS Patients Face Accommodation Crisis

The Gold Coast‘s public hospitals are experiencing significant bed shortages as aged…
Parramatta District Court.

Acclaimed Radio-Featured Masseur Convicted of Client Rape

Warning: This story contains details and content that some readers may find…

UK’s Asylum System Overhaul: Critical Refugee Protections at Risk in New Plan

The United Kingdom government has announced sweeping changes to its asylum system,…
Cyclone risk raised to 'high', residents urged to prepare

High Cyclone Alert: Authorities Urge Residents to Prepare Immediately for Imminent Threat

There’s a better-than-even chance an early tropical cyclone could develop off northern…

Urgent Asbestos Alert: Nearly 70 ACT Public Schools to Temporarily Close Due to Contaminated Sands

Nearly 70 public schools will be closed due to an ongoing asbestos…