Launch

World's First Vaginal Birth Control Ring Launched in India

Study shows increasing dissatisfaction amongst women using daily methods of contraception

To augment the contraception options currently available to Indian women, Nuvaring, the first vaginal birth control ring, was formally launched in India. Nuvaring is a once-monthly vaginal ring that offers the same benefits as 'the pill,' but with the added convenience of not having to be used daily.

Nuvaring is a flexible, transparent ring containing hormones that are dispersed throughout the ring's core and absorbed through the vaginal lining directly into the bloodstream, when inserted. The exact positioning of the ring is not critical for it to work. Additionally, the ring works, like 'the pill', by inhibiting ovulation. In order to prevent pregnancy for a full month, Nuvaring must be inserted and left in place for three consecutive weeks. After a one week ring-free interval, a new ring must then be inserted in order to have continued contraceptive effect. "Nuvaring heralds a new era in contraception in the Indian market," said KG Anathakrishnan, MD of Organon (India) Limited. "It offers the busy, multitasking Indian women of today, the convenience of a monthly regimen and a self-controlled method in terms of insertion and removal of the ring."

Said Dr Urvashi Prasad Jha, Director, Institute of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Max Health Care, "Nuvaring is an important addition to the options we have to offer women. We know that when a woman uses a contraceptive method that suits her lifestyle, she is more likely to be compliant to the regimen, which may reduce the risk of an unplanned pregnancy. Its ease of use will further enhance its acceptability and usage."

According to the findings of a study conducted in 2007 as well as a TNS study conducted in 2009 amongst Indian women, one of the main reasons for switching from or not using the pill is stated to be the side effects by the regular intake of the pills.

EH News Bureau