Segesterone

The Basics

What is Segesterone?

A flexible birth control vaginal system (in the shape of a ring) that contains two types of hormones, segesterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol.

Brand names for Segesterone

N/A

How Segesterone is classified

Contraceptives

Segesterone During Pregnancy

Segesterone pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Segesterone while pregnant

N/A

Taking Segesterone While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Segesterone?

Segesterone acetate is available in the United States in a combination contraceptive vaginal ring (Annovera) that releases segesterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol. No information is available on the use of this product during breastfeeding; however, segesterone is poorly bioavailable orally, so systemic exposure to segesterone in breastfed infants will be minimal. Based on the available evidence, expert opinion in the United States holds that because of the clotting risk, combination contraceptive products should not be used before 3 weeks postpartum. Between 3 weeks and 6 months postpartum, the advantages of using the method generally outweigh the theoretical or proven risks, although the evidence of lack of effect on lactation is poor and does not include preterm or ill infants. After 6 months postpartum, combination contraceptives, including oral tablets, the transdermal patch and vaginal ring, can be used, but progestin-only methods are preferred if breastfeeding will be continued.[1] World Health Organization guidelines are more restrictive, stating that combined oral contraceptives should not be used in nursing mothers before 42 days postpartum and the disadvantages of using the method generally outweigh the advantages between 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum.[2] The manufacturer of Annovera recommends that another form of contraception should be used until breastfeeding is discontinued.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Segesterone acetate is available in the United States in a combination contraceptive vaginal ring (Annovera) that releases segesterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol. No information is available on the use of this product during breastfeeding; however, segesterone is poorly bioavailable orally, so systemic exposure to segesterone in breastfed infants will be minimal. Based on the available evidence, expert opinion in the United States holds that because of the clotting risk, combination contraceptive products should not be used before 3 weeks postpartum. Between 3 weeks and 6 months postpartum, the advantages of using the method generally outweigh the theoretical or proven risks, although the evidence of lack of effect on lactation is poor and does not include preterm or ill infants. After 6 months postpartum, combination contraceptives, including oral tablets, the transdermal patch and vaginal ring, can be used, but progestin-only methods are preferred if breastfeeding will be continued.[1] World Health Organization guidelines are more restrictive, stating that combined oral contraceptives should not be used in nursing mothers before 42 days postpartum and the disadvantages of using the method generally outweigh the advantages between 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum.[2] The manufacturer of Annovera recommends that another form of contraception should be used until breastfeeding is discontinued.

Possible effects of Segesterone on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Segesterone

Etonogestrel, Intrauterine Copper Contraceptive, Oral Levonorgestrel, Intrauterine Levonorgestrel, Levonorgestrel Implant, Medroxyprogesterone Acetate, Norethindrone, Progesterone.