Easy prevention

Do not depend on oral contraceptives alone, a new form of birth control is here.

Women want to be in control of everything whether it’s their finances, relationship or conception. Till recently, oral contraceptive was a common way to avoid unwanted pregnancy, but now vaginal contraceptives, also called vaginal ring are available in the market.

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It’s different

“Unlike oral contraceptives that one has to take daily, vaginal ring can be inserted in the vagina on the first day of the menstrual cycle, and it lasts for three weeks, after which it should be removed. The ring does not hurt and its efficiency is good,” says, Dinesh Kansal, gynaecologist and obstrician, BLK Memorial Hospital.

Vaginal rings, only recently launched in the Indian market are not readily available but with doctors recommending these to women, their availability will no longer be a problem.

Inside out

Using a vaginal ring is easy. “Women can themselves insert the ring in their vagina, and it’s not painful at all,” says Anuradha Kapur, gynaecologist, Max Healthcare.

Though using vaginal ring is safe, but they have their side-effects, which are mostly the same as those of orals. Vaginal rings do not protect from STDs and HIV unlike condoms, and some may experience bloating and spotting (irregular bleeding), migraines and a fungal infection,” says Kapur.

The vaginal ring would however, be expensive as compared to oral contraceptives. “A single ring costs Rs 790, whereas oral contraceptives are as cheap as Rs 100 for 21 tablets. But teenagers who are sexually active and forget taking tablets will benefit from vaginal rings,” says Kansal.