Birth control ring: 20 questions on everything you need to know
The vaginal ring is a relatively new method of contraception, but already very popular with women who dislike the pill for various reasons. you will always have to deal with a hormonal product but with lower dosages. The contraceptive ring protects for three weeks and avoids the risk of pregnancy. But how does it work?
1. Is the birth control ring a local method of contraception?
Contrary to popular belief, the vaginal ring is not considered a local contraceptive, like the diaphragm, but a hormonal contraceptive, like the pill. In fact, it must be classified as an estrogen-progestogen contraceptive.
See also
Losing your virginity: all there is to know
2. What does the ring look like?
It comes in the form of a flexible ring of 5.4 cm in diameter.
This ring is made of synthetic material. When in the humid and warm environment of the vagina, it lets the hormones spread.
3. How is it used?
A birth control ring is used for 3 consecutive weeks:
- For 3 weeks, the ring is in place.
- For a week the ring is removed.
- During the week without the ring, menstruation usually comes.
4. What are the actions of the vaginal ring?
The ring has three main actions for contraceptive purposes:
- Stops natural ovulation.
- It modifies the endometrium, that is the inner lining of the uterus, because it thins it. In doing so, it is less likely that an egg will implant itself.
- It alters the consistency of the vaginal mucus by thickening it, to prevent the passage of sperm through the cervix.
5. It is the gynecologist who implants the contraceptive ring, how is it done for the IUD?
No, the contraceptive ring is very simple and easy to use and can be placed independently, following the instructions provided in the product description and by the gynecologist. Its insertion is practically identical to that of a tampon during menstruation.
To help you insert the vaginal ring, we recommend using a lubricating gel such as Durex 2-in-1 water-based Aloe Vera gel, which moistens the area and facilitates insertion. It is available on Amazon.
6. How is it positioned?
After washing your hands thoroughly first, fold the ring, which is made of flexible material, between two fingers to insert it into the vagina. Then just push it as far as possible.
As the vagina widens, the ring will go to the bottom and will not move until it is removed.
7- How does it work?
In the vagina, it gradually releases very low doses of hormones (a progestin and an estrogen).
Because the vaginal mucosa is highly vascularized, it absorbs hormones, which then pass into the general bloodstream, blocking ovulation.
8- How long does it last?
The contraceptive ring works on a monthly basis. Three weeks after being inserted, it must be removed regularly, on the same day of the week it was placed. This process will trigger the start of menstruation. A week later, you will insert a new ring for another 3 weeks and so on.
9. Who is the birth control ring suitable for?
The vaginal ring is good for any woman - unless there are particular ailments or problems to be discussed with the gynecologist - especially for all those who have difficulty remembering the pill regularly.
10. What are the contraindications?
The use of the ring is not recommended for women with:
- A history of venous or arterial thrombosis,
- Diabetes,
- Severe liver disease,
- Suspicion of hormone-dependent tumors,
- Uterine prolapse,
- Chronic constipation (in which case there is the risk of accidental expulsion),
- Severe cardiovascular problems,
- Certain types of cancer.
11. What are the unwanted effects of the ring?
In 5-6% of women who use the contraceptive ring, headache, vaginitis, leukorrhea or white discharge may occur.
Irregular bleeding appears to be less severe and less frequent than with the use of a low-dose hormone pill.
12. What are the benefits?
- Reduction in hormone doses.
- The continuous and regular release of hormones maintains a constant level, without peaks (unlike the pill).
- Effective for 4 weeks, no risk of forgetting!
- Its side effects are, in theory, less important than those of the pill.
13. Are there any drawbacks?
- The serious side effects (phlebitis, pulmonary embolism) are the same as with a combination pill.
- Wearing it can be accompanied by irregular bleeding and breast tenderness or tension.
- It is a fairly expensive contraceptive.
- Rarely, but sometimes, it can interact in sexuality: According to the Organon study, 20% of women and 30% of men feel it during sex, but are rarely embarrassed by it.
- It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and must therefore be used with a condom during risky sexual intercourse.
14. Why prefer it to taking the pill?
Since it does not require daily intake, there is no longer any risk of forgetting and therefore of unwanted pregnancy (remember that a quarter of voluntary abortions are due to pill accidents).
15. Which ring is used the most?
It is called Nuvaring® and is produced by Organon Laboratories.
16. What do the women who have tried it think?
In a study of 2,300 women:
95% of users expressed their opinion and found Nuvaring® easy to insert and remove.
Simple and practical, it has been adopted in Belgium and the United States, where it is widely used, not least for its many real advantages.
17. The ring came out ... what should I do?
Sometimes, especially in the case of constipation, the ring can be accidentally expelled from the vagina. If this happens, rinse it thoroughly with warm water and then put it back as usual.
Don't worry, it will still be effective.
Furthermore, this type of accident is extremely rare!
18. Is the birth control ring effective?
Since the product has been placed on the market, a study has been carried out with 1,145 users. The results are very good and demonstrate the real effectiveness of the contraceptive ring, as only 6 pregnancies have been reported.
The effectiveness is, therefore, superior to that of the pill, obviously if the ring is used correctly!
19. How much does it cost? Is it refunded?
The vaginal ring costs 15 euros per month and is not reimbursed. This rather high price is certainly its main disadvantage. In fact, it is precisely this characteristic that limits its diffusion among very young girls, who are however the greatest victims of forgetting to take the pill and therefore unwanted pregnancies.
20. Does the ring cause interactions with other drugs?
Some medications can decrease the effectiveness of the vaginal ring:
- Some antiepileptics,
- Antituberculosis drugs,
- Antivirals,
- Some antibiotics,
- An antifungal agent (such as griseofulvin)
- A psychostimulant (such as Modafinil).
- In addition, it should be noted that the use of St. John's wort combined with the use of a contraceptive ring is contraindicated.
In any case, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to ask your family doctor or gynecologist for advice.
