The vaginal ring is a type of 5 cm ring-shaped contraceptive method, which is made of flexible silicone and is inserted into the vagina every month to prevent ovulation and pregnancy, thanks to the gradual release of hormones. The contraceptive ring is very comfortable because it is made of a flexible material that adapts to the contours of the region.
This method should be used for 3 consecutive weeks and, after this period, it should be withdrawn, pausing for one week, before putting on a new ring. When used correctly, this method of contraception is more than 99% effective at protecting against unwanted pregnancies.
- The vaginal ring can be found in pharmacies with the trade name Nuvaring and should only be used on the recommendation of the gynecologist.
The vaginal ring is made of a type of silicone that contains synthetic female hormones, progestin and estrogen. These two hormones are released over 3 weeks and act by inhibiting ovulation, avoiding fertilization and therefore possible pregnancy.
After 3 weeks of wearing the ring, it is necessary to take a week break to allow menstruation to begin, before putting on the new ring.
The vaginal ring should be inserted into the vagina on the first day of menstruation. To do this, follow these steps:
The exact location of the ring is not important for its operation, therefore, every woman should try to place it in the most comfortable place.
After 3 weeks of use, the ring can be removed by inserting the index finger into the vagina and gently removing it. It should then be placed in the packaging and thrown away.
The ring should be removed after 3 weeks of continuous use, however, it should only be replaced after 1 week of rest. Therefore, it should be placed every 4 weeks.
A practical example is that if the ring is placed on a Saturday, around 9 p.m., it should be removed 3 weeks later, i.e. also a Saturday at 9 p.m. The new ring should be placed exactly 1 week later, i.e. next Saturday at 9 p.m.
If more than 3 hours have elapsed from the time of the new ring, it is recommended to use another method of contraception, such as the condom, for 7 days, as the effect of the ring can be reduced.
The vaginal ring is one of the many contraceptive methods available and therefore has advantages and disadvantages that must be evaluated by each woman when choosing a contraceptive:
Learn about other types of birth control methods and the pros and cons of each.
In some cases, the vaginal ring may be inadvertently expelled to the panties, for example. In these cases, the guidelines vary depending on how long the ring has stayed outside the vagina:
The ring should be washed with soap and water and then reapplied into the vagina. Until 3 hours, the effect of this method continues to protect against a possible pregnancy and therefore no other method of contraception is necessary.
In these cases, the effect of the ring may be compromised and, therefore, in addition to washing and replenishing the ring in the vagina, another method of contraception, such as the condom, should be used for 7 days. If the ring comes off during the first week and an intimate relationship has occurred unprotected, there is a risk of pregnancy.
In this case, the woman should throw the ring in the trash and then choose one of the following options:
If you forget it and the break is longer than 7 days, it is recommended that you put on the new ring as soon as you remember and start the 3 weeks of use from that day. It is also important to use another method of contraception for at least 7 days to avoid pregnancy. In case of unprotected intimate contact during rest, there is a risk of pregnancy and a gynecologist should be consulted.
Learn how to identify the first symptoms of pregnancy
Like any other hormonal medication, the ring has side effects that can occur in some women, such as:
In addition, there is an increased risk of problems such as high blood pressure, urinary tract infections, water retention and clot formation.
The contraceptive ring should not be used by women with diseases affecting blood clotting, due to surgery, having suffered a heart attack or stroke, suffering angina, severe diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, certain types of migraine, pancreatitis, liver disease. , liver tumor, breast cancer, unrepaired vaginal bleeding or allergy to ethinyl estradiol or etinopoeste.
For example, it is advisable to consult the gynecologist before using this method of contraception, in order to evaluate the safety of its use.