Are you also worried about forgetting to take your birth control pills every day? Or are you someone who is thinking about other family planning methods? So today we will talk about a birth control method that is not very well known among many, but is very effective. This is called the vaginal ring. Today we will talk about what it is exactly, how it works, and what are the advantages and disadvantages.
What exactly is a vaginal ring?
Simply put, it's a small, flexible ring that you wear inside your vagina. It releases two hormones into your body, estrogen and progestin . These two hormones work together to prevent pregnancy.
It happens like this:
- Stops the release of an egg from the ovaries: Simply put, it prevents ovulation, which is the key to pregnancy.
- Thickens cervical mucus: This makes it very difficult for sperm to travel into the uterus.
- Thinning the lining of the uterus: Even if an egg is fertilized in some way, it is prevented from implanting and growing in the uterine wall.
Typically, this ring is left in place for three weeks (21 days) and then removed for the next week (7 days). During this week, you will have your period. If used correctly, this method is considered a very effective way to prevent pregnancy. You must get a prescription from a doctor for this.
Who should not use this method?
Because this is a hormonal method, it may not be suitable for everyone. If you have any of the following health risks, you should avoid using the vaginal ring. Be sure to talk to your doctor about this.
| Risk factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Smoking and age | If you are a smoker and over 35 years old. |
| Blood clots | If you or someone in your family has a history of blood clots. |
| Cancer | If you have had breast, uterine, or liver cancer. |
| Heart disease | If you have had a previous heart attack or circulatory system problems. |
| Migraine | If you have a severe migraine with aura. |
| High blood pressure | If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure. |
| Other diseases | If you have uncontrolled diabetes, liver disease, or unexplained vaginal bleeding. |
It is very important to tell your doctor your complete health history. Only then can you determine whether this method is safe for you.
What are the types of vaginal rings?
There are two main types of vaginal rings approved in the world. Although both work in the same way, there are slight differences in how they are used.
| Type of ring | Specialty |
|---|---|
| NuvaRing® or EluRing® | This is a single-use type. You wear it for 3 weeks, take it off for a week, then throw away the old ring and put in a new one. |
| Annovera® | This is a reusable ring. After 3 weeks, you need to remove it, wash it with soap and water, and leave it in the special container that comes with it for a week. The same ring can be worn again the next week. One ring can be used this way for a year. |
Is it possible to skip menstruation?
Sometimes you may want to delay your period for a special occasion, such as a vacation or a wedding. Since the hormones in rings like NuvaRing last for up to 5 weeks, some people wear them for 4 or 5 weeks at a time. However, you should definitely talk to your doctor before doing so.
How exactly do you use this?
Using this is not as difficult as you might think. If you are used to using a tampon, inserting this is even easier.
How to insert the ring
1. First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and dry them.
2. Get into a comfortable position. You can do this by lying down, with one leg propped up on a chair, or sitting cross-legged.
3. Take the ring out of the package.
4. Hold the ring between your index finger and thumb.
5. Fold the two sides of the ring so that they come together.
6. Now insert it as deep into the vagina as possible.
Once it's properly inserted, you won't even feel it inside. If that feels uncomfortable, try pushing it a little further with your finger.
How to remove the ring
After three weeks, the ring should be removed. Insert a clean finger (usually your index finger) into the vagina, hook your finger around the ring, and pull it out slowly.
What are the side effects and risks?
As with any hormonal birth control method, there are some side effects and risks. But don't worry, for most people these go away after the first few months.
| Common side effects | |
|---|---|
| - Breast pain or tenderness | - Nausea and vomiting |
| - Headache | - Changes in mental state |
| - Weight gain | - Acne |
| - Light bleeding during menstruation (spotting) | - Decreased sexual desire |
The above are common side effects. However, there are also some serious risks that can occur very rarely . It is important to be aware of these as well.
- Blood clots
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) - This is a very rare bacterial infection.
Do you also have these questions... (Frequently Asked Questions)
How successful is this?
When used exactly as directed, the vaginal ring is 99% effective . However, due to mistakes made by some people (e.g. forgetting to insert or remove it at the right time), its average success rate is only about 91%.
What do you do if the ring falls off by itself?
Yes, it can. It can come out during sex, when removing a tampon, or when you defecate. If this happens, wash it with lukewarm water and reinsert it as soon as possible.
- NuvaRing/EluRing: If left out for more than 3 hours, its contraceptive effectiveness may decrease.
- Annovera: If you are outside for more than 2 hours, your birth control effectiveness may decrease.
In this case, it is safe to use an additional form of birth control (e.g. condoms) for the next 7 days after reinserting the ring.
Is this a problem during sex?
Most of the time, neither you nor your partner will feel this. Sometimes, your partner may feel this. If it is uncomfortable, you can remove the ring before having sex. But remember not to leave it out for more than the number of hours mentioned above (2-3 hours) . Rinse it with lukewarm water before reinserting it.
What is the difference between this and the IUD?
The IUD (Intrauterine Device) is also a very effective birth control method, but there are big differences between the two.
- Location: The vaginal ring is in the vagina. The IUD is inside the uterus.
- Insertion: You can insert and remove the vaginal ring yourself. An IUD needs to be inserted and removed by a doctor.
- Duration: The vaginal ring needs to be replaced monthly. An IUD can be left in place for 3-12 years, depending on the type.
- Hormones: Vaginal rings contain both estrogen and progestin. Hormonal IUDs contain only progestin. There are also hormone-free IUDs (copper).
When should you see a doctor immediately?
If you experience any of the symptoms below, it could be a sign of a serious condition. So see your doctor immediately.
- Persistent pain or swelling in the leg .
- Sudden difficulty breathing .
- Chest pain or tightness.
- A sudden, severe headache or migraine, different from a normal headache.
- Numbness or weakness in the limbs.
- A foul odor or unusual discharge from the vagina.
- Heavy bleeding outside of menstruation.
The most important thing is that the vaginal ring does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The best protection for that is using a condom.
Take-Home Message
- The vaginal ring is a very effective hormonal method of preventing pregnancy.
- You should definitely get advice and a prescription from a doctor before using this.
- This is a good option for those who forget to take their daily pills.
- Following the correct method of using the ring (3 weeks in, 1 week out) is essential for success.
- This method does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Seek immediate medical attention if any serious side effects occur.
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