Vaginal ring

A vaginal ring is a soft, flexible piece of plastic containing synthetic hormones that are absorbed into the vagina. It is a hormonal birth control method obtained by prescription. These hormones help regulate your fertility in the same way that natural hormones work.

The vaginal ring prevents pregnancy in one of three ways:

First, it prevents the release of eggs from the ovaries.
Secondly, it thickens cervical mucus, preventing sperm from reaching the egg.
Thirdly, it changes the lining of the uterus, preventing implantation. This third method has some ethical issues that you may want to consider.

How do you use the vaginal ring and how effective is it?

The device is inserted into the vagina, where it remains for three weeks. It is removed in the fourth week so that menstruation occurs. At the end of the fourth week, the process is repeated. The vaginal ring starts to work immediately, but during the first seven days of the first month of using the vaginal ring, a second form of birth control must be used.

The failure rate is less than 2% when used correctly and consistently. In other words, if used correctly, less than 2 out of 100 women will get pregnant. You must take a pregnancy test if you have symptoms of pregnancy.

What are the side effects or health risks of a vaginal ring?

The device has side effects similar to those experienced by users of oral contraceptives or other types of hormonal birth control, including:

Headaches
Dizziness
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Fatigue
Moderate weight gain
Change of appetite
Additional side effects may include vaginal bleeding, skin irritation, yeast infections, contact lens problems, and depression.

The device should not be used by women who:

Smoke
Have high blood pressure
Have a history of breast or uterine cancer
Have a history of blood clots
Have a history of heart attack or stroke
Are allergic to hormones
Have diabetes
Have liver disease
Have unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following:

Chest pains
Redness, swelling, or pain in your legs
Abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
If you think you might be pregnant

Women wishing to use a vaginal ring should seek further advice from their doctor if they experience any of the following conditions:

Depression
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High risk for heart disease
History of blood clotting conditions
History of liver disease

Is the vaginal ring reversible?

Yes. Ovulation may return a few days after the ring stops; however, for some women, this may take several months. Pregnancy should be possible when you stop using the vaginal ring.

What about the risks of sexually transmitted diseases?

The vaginal ring does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Can I use the vaginal ring when I am breastfeeding?

If you've recently been pregnant or breastfeeding, it's best to check with your doctor about the best time to start using the ring.

What do I do if the ring comes out?

If the ring comes out, it is better to replace it immediately. If you do this within 3 hours, you won't need a fallback method.

Where does the ring need to go?

The exact position of the ring in the vagina is not critical to its effectiveness, but read the instructions carefully to understand where the ring should be placed.

The pros include: