Vaginal rings: higher risk of a blood clot
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen followed more than 1.6 million women in Denmark for a decade to compare the risks of developing blood clots when using skin patches, vaginal rings or the contraceptive pill. The results: women using a vaginal ring or skin patch are at double the risk compared to those taking the pill.
Women not using contraception were found to have a 2-in-10,000 risk of developing a clot each year. The risk increased to 6 in 10,000 for those using the combined oral contraceptive pill, 7, 8 for vaginal rings and 9, 7 for skin patches.
Importance of information
Prof Oejvind Lidegaard, who led the study, said: "There is no reason for panic. The most important thing is that women are informed about the risk. If they still prefer to have a ring or a patch, for example, because they are not able to remember to take the pill daily they can continue. It’s their choice. Just find the method that is suited to you and your lifestyle.”
Dr Ellie Birtley, lead clinician at the British Pregnancy Advisory Service also states women should not panic. “The risks of venous thrombosis raised by these forms of contraception are still significantly lower than the risks to women who are pregnant.”
Source: Daily Mail
