What you need to know about the Annovera® Vaginal Ring (Segesterone Acetate; Ethinyl Estradiol)

Are you looking for a way to prevent pregnancy ? Would you like to know about an easy way that you can control yourself, different from things like remembering to take pills every day or getting an injection every few months? So today we will talk about a new type of vaginal ring called Annovera ®. We will simply talk about how to use it, the advantages, disadvantages, and what special things to be careful about.

Simply put, what is this vaginal ring?

This is a really flexible, small ring. It can be inserted into the vagina by a woman herself. It contains a combination of two hormones , estrogen and progestin . Specifically, it contains the drugs segesterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol .

When you keep this ring in your vagina, it slowly releases these hormones into your body. The main function of these hormones is to prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg, which is called ovulation . If an egg is not released, there is no way for pregnancy to occur. So, this is a very effective method of birth control.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using this

Before starting any birth control method, it is extremely important to discuss your complete health history with your doctor. You should especially mention any of the following conditions:

• If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding for an unknown reason .
• If you have previously had a blood clot or blood vessel disease.
• If you have or have had breast, cervical, uterine, ovarian, or liver cancer.
• If you have diabetes .
• If you have had heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke.
• If you have high blood pressure , high cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
• If you have severe migraine headaches .
• If you have liver or kidney disease.
• If you have a condition like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
• This is very important if you are a smoker (especially if you are over 35 years old).
• If you have recently had a baby or had a miscarriage.
• If you think you are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
• If you have an allergy to any other medicine, food, or substance.

Okay, now let's see how to use this exactly.

It's very simple to use, but you should first get clear instructions from your doctor on how to insert and remove it. Also, read the instructions that come with the medicine carefully.

The general procedure is as follows:

1. Insertion: You need to sit in a comfortable position (for example, with one leg raised) and fold the ring in half and insert it into your vagina. It's like inserting a tampon. Once it's in place, you won't even feel it.

2. Retention: This ring should remain in the vagina for 3 weeks (21 days) . It is a good idea to check it regularly with your finger (especially after sex).

3. Removal and Rest: After 3 weeks are complete, you should remove it and take a week (7 days) rest . During this week, you will have withdrawal bleeding, similar to your period.

4. Reinsertion: After a 7-day break, you need to start a new cycle. Even if you haven't stopped bleeding that week, you need to reinsert the ring as soon as the 7 days are up.

The special thing about this ring is that it can be reused for up to a year (13 cycles) . During the 7-day break in each cycle, it should be cleaned as instructed and stored in the special little box (case) that comes with it.

What do you do if the ring falls off or is lost?

Sometimes it can come out on its own. If that happens, don't worry. But to be sure about your birth control, you should call your doctor right away for advice . Also, if you forget to put the ring in or leave it in for longer than the prescribed time, it's still best to follow your doctor's advice.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

This is very important. If you are taking medication for another condition while using this vaginal ring, that medication may interact with the hormones in this ring, reducing the effectiveness of the birth control method or causing other side effects.

Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal products) . Below are just a few examples.

Special points to consider when using the vaginal ring

• Medical checkups: While using this method, it is important to see your doctor at regular intervals for checkups. Pap smears and breast exams are especially important.
• No protection against sexually transmitted diseases: This is where many people make a mistake. This ring only prevents pregnancy. It does not protect you from HIV (AIDS) or any other sexually transmitted infections . For that, it is essential to use a protective method such as a condom.
• Smoking and the risk of blood clots: This is the most important warning . If you smoke while using a hormonal birth control method, your risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke increases significantly. This risk is even higher if you are over 35 years old.
• Planned Surgery: If you are going to have any surgery, ask your doctor if you should stop using this ring beforehand.
• If you suspect pregnancy: If you miss your period and have even the slightest suspicion that you are pregnant, stop using the ring and see a doctor immediately.

Let's also learn about side effects, shall we?

Like any medication, this can cause side effects in some people. While some are normal, there are some symptoms that you should be very concerned about.

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to a hospital's Emergency Unit (ETU) immediately. If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Pregnancy prevention, birth control, vaginal ring, Annovera, family planning, women's health, Segesterone Acetate, Ethinyl Estradiol, birth control