Till now we have only seen that condom is the only form of contraceptive which provides protection from HIV and pregnancy both. There was no other alternative than the condom. After a lot of research, researchers in the United States have invented a new option which can provide protection HIV and unwanted pregnancy.
This new contraceptive ring is inserted into the vagina and it releases low doses of the drug which reduces the chance of getting pregnant and precaution against HIV. This ring is developed by one of the professors in biomedical engineering and ObGyn, Patrick Kiser. It is believed that the ring is already in the market and is used for both purposes. The ring can be a great alternative for women as they will have the freedom to use themselves instead of insisting the partner to use some other methods of contraception. It will relieve the tension of missing contraceptive pills. This ring sends a lower dose of antiretroviral drug and it focuses on preventing HIV. Scientists and a lot of AIDS prevention teams across the world have been trying to find a cure for the disease as the ratio of HIV in the world is increasing every passing day. This ring has been a boon for all and is a success to all of them who are struggling for the prevention of the disease. Along with it, the ring provides prevention from the pregnancy also.
The advantages of the ring are, it is not easily felt or detected by the male partner hence the women remain safe. Sometimes women are in a position where they don’t get time for using any contraceptive or they are not in their senses to use them. This can be in the parties or at social events where they are drunk and then followed by sex. This ring can keep them safe and they don’t have to think about sex. The dose that is released in the vagina from the ring is very low which can be approximately 10 micrograms per day. As the ring is very flexible, it is easily inserted in the vagina without any discomfort. This is useful in developing countries where people are not educated and do not know the causes of HIV. These countries have a lot of population with a very low per capita income. Men, in these poor countries often refuse to wear condom and hence the risk of HIV and unwanted pregnancy increases.
The team, who made the ring, says that the ring diffuses the liquid in the vagina and then it stays active for several hours. Then the woman can also remove the ring for some time, which can make it easy to use. These intervals can be used to have sex, so the liquid is already there to protect you. This is a perfect option for birth control and HIV too. The ring is indeed a step towards the prevention and reduction of HIV and it is double whammy with the contraceptive.
