The world of contraception has undergone a paradigm shift through the years. From medicines to condoms and specialised gadgets, individuals are turning to a number of contraception strategies to forestall being pregnant. Folks additionally use a vaginal ring, which is a skinny, versatile ring inserted into the vagina. As soon as it’s inserted, it releases hormones for about three weeks. It’s an easy-to-use contraception methodology, which has its set of advantages and unintended effects.

What’s a vaginal ring?

A vaginal ring is a small, versatile, round system used as a way of contraception. It iss made from plastic and is designed to be inserted into the vagina, the place it releases hormones to forestall being pregnant. The ring usually releases a mix of estrogen and progestin, much like these present in contraception drugs. “These hormones work by stopping ovulation, making the cervical mucus thick in order that it may well block sperm, and thinning the uterine lining to forestall implantation,” explains gynaecologist Dr Ritambhara Bhalla. The vaginal ring is normally worn for 3 weeks, adopted by a one-week break throughout which menstruation happens, after which a brand new ring is inserted.

The vaginal ring works by releasing a gradual, low dose of hormones, usually estrogen and progestin, into the bloodstream by way of the partitions of the vagina. These hormones forestall being pregnant within the following methods:

• The hormones forestall the ovaries from releasing an egg every month.
• The progestin within the ring thickens the mucus within the cervix, making it tough for sperm to swim by way of the cervix and attain an egg if one have been launched.
• The hormones additionally skinny the liner of the uterus, making it much less possible {that a} fertilised egg can implant and develop.

When you use it in an accurate method, the vaginal ring will be greater than 99 p.c efficient in stopping being pregnant, as per the UK’s Nationwide Well being Service.

What are the kinds of vaginal rings?

There are primarily two kinds of vaginal rings used for contraception:

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1. Etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol ring

It’s the most generally recognized and used vaginal ring, which is versatile, and clear, and is about 2 inches in diameter. “It’s usually worn contained in the vagina for 3 weeks, adopted by a one-week break throughout which menstruation happens,” says the skilled. After every week’s break, a brand new ring is inserted into the vagina. It releases a mix of estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (etonogestrel) to forestall being pregnant.

2. Segesterone acetate/ethinyl estradiol ring

It’s a reusable vaginal ring that can be utilized for as much as one yr. The ring is comprised of silicone and has a barely bigger diameter than the etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol ring. The reusable ring is inserted for 3 weeks and eliminated for one week, throughout which intervals happen. After the one-week break, the identical ring is reinserted. This cycle will be repeated for 13 cycles (one yr). A mixture of estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (segesterone acetate) hormones are launched.

Learn how to insert a vaginal ring?

Observe these steps to ensure your vaginal ring works properly:

• Earlier than inserting the ring, guarantee your arms are clear to forestall an infection.
• Discover a comfy place, reminiscent of standing with one leg up, mendacity down, or squatting.
• Squeeze the ring between your thumb and index finger to compress it. Gently insert the ring into your vagina, pushing it up till it feels comfy and is positioned accurately.

You will need to insert the brand new ring on the identical day of the week because the earlier ring to keep up the contraceptive’s effectiveness. “When you delay reinserting the ring past the seven-day break, its effectiveness could also be lowered, and also you would possibly want to make use of a backup methodology of contraception, like condoms, for the primary seven days after reinsertion,” says Dr Bhalla.

Can you’ve got intercourse with a vaginal ring?

Sure, you’ll be able to have intercourse with the vaginal ring in place. “This contraception system is designed in such a method that it may well keep in place even throughout intercourse and so, it doesn’t have to be eliminated,” says the skilled. Most ladies don’t really feel the vaginal ring throughout intercourse. It’s tender, versatile, and sits excessive sufficient within the vagina that it usually doesn’t intrude with sexual exercise. Some males would possibly really feel the ring, however it’s normally a gentle sensation.

Right here’s what to do if it’s uncomfortable:

• Gently push the ring larger into the vagina to cut back any sensation.
• When you take away the vaginal ring to have intercourse, it must be put again in inside three hours to keep up its effectiveness. When you neglect to reinsert it inside three hours, use a backup methodology of contraception.

What are the unintended effects of vaginal rings?

Frequent unintended effects of a vaginal ring embody complications, nausea, and vomiting, in response to analysis printed within the Therapeutic Advances In Reproductive Well being in 2023. Girls may additionally expertise yeast infections, ache within the stomach, dysmenorrhea or painful intervals, breast tenderness, irregular intervals, and vaginal itching, in response to the US. Meals and Drug Administration.

These unintended effects could also be skilled by any girl sporting the ring. “However girls with uncontrolled hypertension shouldn’t use the ring as a result of threat of additional rising blood stress,” says Dr Bhalla.

The vaginal ring is an efficient methodology to forestall being pregnant, however don’t neglect when to reinsert it into the vagina. It may be worn throughout intercourse, as it’s versatile and tender.