Put a ‘ring’on it!

While contraception has conventionally been upto the male, more and more women today are now becoming aware of their options.
In today’s times where our ever-growing population is an issue and AIDS is becoming increasingly wide-spread, it’s important for women to know how they can stay safe and protected. There are a large number of female contraceptive options available in the market, which give the woman the ability to decide about pregnancies.One of the most popular methods being used is the birth control pill, but there are others too.
Dr Mandakini Parihar, Consultant Gynaecologist and Infertility Specialist says, “The oral contraceptive contains a combination of two hormones, oestrogen and progesterone and is the most frequently used. Other alternatives include a once-a-month injection and the patch which is applied to the skin. The vaginal birth ring is effective as it contains a lower dose of hormones which it supplies in the reproduction system and suppresses eggs from being released. Further, it is so pliable that women don’t need to come to a doctor to place it and it doesn’t interfere with sex or the menstrual cycle.” Dr Parihar further adds that it’s so soft and thin and lies in the folds of the vagina so that women don’t even realise that they have something. Compared to the injection method which causes irregularity in bleeding and the pill which can cause nausea and weight gain, this ring is preferable.
Dr Rishma Pai, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist says the contraceptive options for women are rather limited. “Female condoms are not available in India yet and the hormonal loop and copper T are recommended for those who have already had children. Injectables tend to disrupt your cycle and hence women need something else. The vaginal birth control ring can be kept in the vagina for three weeks. When you take pills orally, they go through the whole body whereas the ring is more local. The failure rate is also only 1-2 per cent and the only problem is for women who have heart diseases, are obese or indulge in smoking. It works by preventing ovulation and changes the lining of the uterus,” states Dr Pai. She says it is highly recommended for couples in a steady relationship.
A major concern of women when choosing contraceptives is the side effects. While headaches, nausea and breast tenderness can be an issue with most of the options, it’s minimal for those using the birth control ring.
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