The vaginal ring
The vaginal ring is a small, soft plastic ring that you place inside your vagina. It’s about 4mm thick and 5.5cm in diameter. You leave it in your vagina for 21 days, then remove it and throw it in the bin (not down the toilet) in a special disposal bag. Seven days after removing the ring you insert a new one for the next 21 days.
The ring releases oestrogen and progestogen. This prevents ovulation (release of an egg), makes it difficult for sperm to get to an egg and thins the womb lining so it’s less likely that an egg will implant there.
The ring releases oestrogen and progestogen. This prevents ovulation (release of an egg), makes it difficult for sperm to get to an egg and thins the womb lining so it’s less likely that an egg will implant there.
At a glance: facts about the vaginal ring
- If used correctly, the vaginal ring is more than 99% effective. This means that fewer than one woman out of every 100 who use the vaginal ring as contraception will become pregnant in one year.
- One ring will provide contraception for a month, so you don’t have to think about it every day.
- It doesn’t interrupt sex because you can have sex with the ring in place.
- Unlike the pill, the ring is still effective if you have vomiting or diarrhoea.
- The ring may ease premenstrual symptoms, and bleeding will probably be lighter and less painful.
- Some women have temporary side effects, including more vaginal discharge, breast tenderness and headaches.
- A few women develop a blood clot (thrombosis) when using the ring, but this is rare.
- Sometimes the ring can come out on its own, but you can rinse it in warm water and put it back in as soon as possible. You might need emergency contraception, depending on how long it has been out.
- The vaginal ring doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). By using condoms as well as the ring you’ll protect yourself against STIs.
Advantages and disadvantages
Some of the advantages of the vaginal ring include:
Some of the disadvantages of the vaginal ring include:
Some of the advantages of the vaginal ring include:
- it doesn’t interrupt sex
- it’s easy to put in and remove
- you don’t have to think about it every day or each time you have sex
- the ring is not affected if you vomit or have diarrhoea
- it may help with premenstrual symptoms
- period-type bleeding usually becomes lighter, more regular and less painful
- it may reduce the risk of cancer of the ovary, uterus and colon
- it may reduce the risk of fibroids, ovarian cysts and non-cancerous breast disease
Some of the disadvantages of the vaginal ring include:
- it may not be suitable for you if you don’t feel comfortable inserting or removing it from your vagina
- spotting and bleeding while the ring is in your vagina can occur in the first few months
- it may cause temporary side effects, such as increased vaginal discharge, headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood changes
- the ring does not protect against STIs
For more information visit: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/contraception-guide/Pages/contraception.aspx