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A vaginal ring (also known as a contraceptive ring) is a modern method of long-term contraception for women. Placed in the vagina for 3 weeks, it releases hormones into the vaginal epithelium. Its effectiveness is comparable to that of birth control pills. How do we use the disc, how does it work?
Vaginal ring – characteristics
The vaginal ring releases hormones directly into the vagina, which makes it comparable to the contraceptive pill. It is more and more often chosen method of contraception due to fewer side effects and convenience of use. Contrary to tablets, we do not have to apply it every day, we put it on once every 3 weeks. This method of contraception is usually chosen by women who, for various reasons, cannot or do not want to take oral contraceptive pills, as well as those who are uncomfortable with the use of other hormonal agents, e.g. contraceptive patches.
What is a vaginal ring?
The vaginal ring is a colorless, flexible ring, about 5 cm in diameter and about 4 mm thick. which facilitates its independent application in the vagina. The disc works by gradually releasing estrogen and progesterone in the woman’s vagina. These hormones are absorbed by the vaginal epithelium, which inhibits ovulation. We place the disc in the vagina once every 3 weeks.
What is the vaginal ring application?
The contraceptive disc is applied in an uncomplicated way, so that every woman can put it on herself. To set it up:
- stand apart, crouch, or rest one foot on the toilet seat, stool, etc., so that we are comfortable,
- take the disc between your thumb and forefinger and gently push it into the vagina.
How do you know when it is in its place? It should be imperceptible. What’s more, the disc is designed to be in contact with the vaginal mucosa, which means it doesn’t have to be pushed very deeply to work. It is important that it does not cause discomfort.
We also remove it by grasping it with two fingers.
There are special applicators available at the pharmacy that make it easier to put on and remove the disc.
The principle of its operation is similar to that of oral contraceptive pills. Therefore, we must remember that we put it on and remove it every 3 weeks at the same time – on the same day of the week and at the same time. After removing the disc from the vagina (after 21 days), we make a 7-day break for menstruation. Then a new disc is inserted on the first day of menstruation or between the 2nd and 5th day of the cycle (in this case, a barrier method of contraception should be used, i.e. a condom).
- Try it: NuvaRing – a new method of contraception
How effective is the contraceptive disc?
The effectiveness of the vaginal ring is compared to that of oral contraceptive pills and transdermal contraception. Although the concentration of hormones released in the vagina is lower than that of oral pills, this is enough to inhibit ovulation.
What are the benefits of a vaginal ring?
The undoubted advantage of the contraceptive ring is that we bypass the digestive tract, thanks to which we eliminate the systemic side effects of hormonal contraception. Due to the presence in the vagina, fluctuations in the concentration of hormones, estrogen and progesterone in the blood are smaller. The side effects of hormones such as nausea and vomiting are eliminated. Another advantage is the safety of contraceptive protection in the case of vomiting and diarrhea (which is not possible with oral preparations). Comparing bleeding and spotting between menstruation – with the use of the ring, there are fewer of them.
During the use of the vaginal ring, we can freely intercourse. With the ring, we can use vaginal drugs and tampons at the same time, because they do not interfere with the release and absorption of hormones from the ring, nor do they change their concentration.
What are the disadvantages of a vaginal ring?
One of the disadvantages of using the disc is that some women, despite the correct application, feel it in the vagina and feel discomfort. Despite the easy application, it sometimes happens that the disc will slip out or fall out of the vagina – it should be immediately put back in the vagina. Among the studied couples, a small percentage say that the disc is palpable during intercourse, which affects the quality of sexual experiences.
As in the case of other contraceptives, there are also contraindications to the use of the vaginal contraceptive disc. Therefore, it is best to visit a gynecologist so that he can choose the right method of contraception that is best for our health and lifestyle.
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