Vaginal ring for contraception: Benefits and drawbacks

The world of contraception has undergone a paradigm shift over time. From medicines to condoms and specialised gadgets, persons are turning to a number of contraception strategies to stop 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 technique, which has its set of advantages and unwanted 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 stop being pregnant. The ring sometimes releases a mix of estrogen and progestin, just like these present in contraception capsules. “These hormones work by stopping ovulation, making the cervical mucus thick in order that it may block sperm, and thinning the uterine lining to stop implantation,” explains gynaecologist Dr Ritambhara Bhalla. The vaginal ring is often 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, sometimes estrogen and progestin, into the bloodstream via the partitions of the vagina. These hormones stop being pregnant within the following methods:

• The hormones stop 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 via the cervix and attain an egg if one had been launched.
• The hormones additionally skinny the liner of the uterus, making it much less possible {that a} fertilised egg can implant and develop.

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

What are the varieties of vaginal rings?

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

1. Etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol ring

It’s the most generally identified and used vaginal ring, which is versatile, and clear, and is about 2 inches in diameter. “It’s sometimes worn contained in the vagina for 3 weeks, adopted by a one-week break throughout which menstruation happens,” says the knowledgeable. 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 stop being pregnant.

2. Segesterone acetate/ethinyl estradiol ring

It’s a reusable vaginal ring that can be utilized for as much as one 12 months. The ring is made out 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 durations happen. After the one-week break, the identical ring is reinserted. This cycle may be repeated for 13 cycles (one 12 months). A mixture of estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (segesterone acetate) hormones are launched.

How one can insert a vaginal ring?

Observe these steps to ensure your vaginal ring works nicely:

• Earlier than inserting the ring, guarantee your fingers are clear to stop an infection.
• Discover a snug place, equivalent to 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 snug and is positioned appropriately.

It is very important insert the brand new ring on the identical day of the week because the earlier ring to take care of the contraceptive’s effectiveness. “In case you delay reinserting the ring past the seven-day break, its effectiveness could also be decreased, and also you would possibly want to make use of a backup technique of contraception, like condoms, for the primary seven days after reinsertion,” says Dr Bhalla.

Can you have got intercourse with a vaginal ring?

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

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

• Gently push the ring larger into the vagina to scale back any sensation.
• In case you take away the vaginal ring to have intercourse, it needs to be put again in inside three hours to take care of its effectiveness. In case you neglect to reinsert it inside three hours, use a backup technique of contraception.

What are the unwanted effects of vaginal rings?

Widespread unwanted effects of a vaginal ring embrace complications, nausea, and vomiting, in accordance with analysis printed within the Therapeutic Advances In Reproductive Well being in 2023. Ladies can also expertise yeast infections, ache within the stomach, dysmenorrhea or painful durations, breast tenderness, irregular durations, and vaginal itching, in accordance with the US. Meals and Drug Administration.

These unwanted effects could also be skilled by any lady carrying the ring. “However girls with uncontrolled hypertension mustn’t use the ring as a result of threat of additional growing blood stress,” says Dr Bhalla.

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