Vaginal Rings: Lowering the Risks of Oral Contraception for Diabetics

Oral contraceptives are probably the most popular method of contraception. They remain to be the first line of treatment for women who desire birth control. A lot of studies have been done to minimize the risks involved with regards to cardiovascular disease but very little has been done with regards to metabolic effects of oral contraceptives.

There is evidence which shows that oral contraceptives may aggravate insulin resistance and exert other metabolic effects that might increase a woman's long-term risk for diabetes and heart disease. Therefore, women who have diabetes or cardiovascular disorders are not advised to use oral contraception. Recently, tests have been done in an effort to lessen the risk of oral contraception to diabetics by using vaginal rings. Research indicates that delivering low-dose oral contraceptives using vaginal rings can provide better efficacy and good cycle control with less of the risk. The tests done showed that insulin sensitivity measured with a glucose tolerance test was significantly decreased in women who took the oral contraceptive pill as compared to women who used the vaginal ring. The study confirms that low-dose oral contraceptives can adversely impact metabolic function. Thus, many women of reproductive age have insulin resistance of type 2 diabetes. Although further tests are necessary, the initial tests show that using vaginal rings to deliver contraceptives to women has less metabolic effects than oral contraceptives.

Moreover, the vaginal contraceptive ring has other benefits. Women who use it find it more convenient to use because they have to worry about their contraception only once a month. They have experienced shorter and lighter menstrual periods with fewer cramps. They have decreased PMS symptoms. There is also a decrease in the appearance of acne. And studies have shown that there is also a decreased risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers.

The vaginal contraceptive ring is highly recommended for women who have a history of breast cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, epilepsy, depression, gallbladder or kidney disease, those who have recently had major surgery, those who suffer from dropped uterus or bladder, those who suffer from severe constipation, and those who are breastfeeding. It is available through a prescription.