The vaginal ring is a hormonal contraceptive method. It’s a small, flexible plastic ring inserted into the vagina, where it releases estrogen and progestin hormones. These hormones prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.
The ring is worn for three weeks, then removed for one week to allow menstruation. After the week-long break, a new ring is inserted. It’s 91-99% effective when used correctly.
Women may choose the vaginal ring if they:
– Want a method that doesn’t require daily attention
– Prefer a lower hormone dose than birth control pills
– Desire lighter, more regular periods
– Need to control acne
– Want reversible contraception
The ring may not be suitable for smokers over 35, those with certain health conditions, or women taking specific medications. Consult a healthcare provider to determine if the vaginal ring is appropriate for your needs and medical history.
What it is
The contraceptive ring represents a hormonal contraceptive method, thus equal to its big sister, the contraceptive pill, whose efficacy is based on the ability to suppress ovulation: If there is no ovulation, there can be no pregnancy.
It is a ring consisting of ethinylvinylacetate, with a diameter of approximately 5.4 cm and 4 mm thick. Within its structure are stored etonogestrel (progestin) and ethinylestradiol (estrogen), which are released daily at the dosage of 0.120 mg for etonogestrel and 0.015 mg for ethinylestradiol, respectively.
How it works
The operation of the contraceptive ring is the same as that of the contraceptive pill. It is based on blocking ovulation due to the continuous administration of an estrogen (ethinylestradiol) and a progestin (etonogestrel). The continuity of administration inhibits the pulsatility of gonadotropin release at the pituitary level by an inhibitory feedback mechanism. This means that, at the ovarian level, it is Inhibited the selection and development of the follicle (ed. The ovarian follicle, whose shape is a fluid-filled sac, is a structure located in the ovaries: in a normal menstrual cycle, a follicle grows and grows larger and larger until it ruptures at ovulation, which then releases the egg. Women beginning puberty have 300,000 to 400,000 ovarian follicles, each of which has the potential to release an egg that can be fertilized).
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Also thecontraceptive efficacy of the vaginal ring is the same as that of oral hormonal contraception (the pill). It is also important to note that the contraceptive vaginal ring Is not a barrier method, so it in no way protects against sexually transmitted infections. It is therefore necessary to add a condom for protection from STIs. The fact that it is inserted inside therefore does not represent protection from sexually transmitted infections, but is only a Alternative route of administration to the oral route.
How to use
When the contraceptive ring is used for the first time, it should be inserted into the vagina on the first day of menstruation, where it remains for 3 weeks. Then it is removed and done one week of suspension, a week during which the menstrual cycle comes and then starts again, regardless of the cycle. Basically, one wears the ring for 3 weeks and then take a one-week break and start again.
One important thing to say with respect to ring insertion is that the ring does not require a particular position inside the vagina, once inserted and pushed in well it sits and releases hormones daily. It is important to check the presence of the ring in the vagina from time to time, for example, after intercourse, after removal of a menstrual protection pad, after evacuation, so on all occasions when movement or pushing could promote an expulsion of the ring.
Pros and cons
Contraceptive choice at the moment is very wide, so you can really afford to choose the contraceptive that best fits one’s needs. One of the advantages major of the ring is related to the fact that absorption occurs through the vessels of the vaginal mucosa and not at the level of the ‘gastrointestinal system; this ensures a greater stability of the concentration of hormones in the bloodstream that results in better cycle control despite the low dosage. Basically, spotting episodes, i.e., bleeding between cycles, are reduced.
Also, by not requiring daily intake, is very practical especially for those women who have difficulty remembering to take the pill daily. Precisely because absorption does not occur at the gastrointestinal level, then, it is also freed from possible episodes such as vomiting or diarrhea which may reduce absorption and thus contraceptive efficacy.
Clearly, insertion into the vagina requires a confidence with one’s own body, touching themselves, inserting a finger, this might seem like a limitation but it can also be taken as an opportunity, an opportunity to explore, discover themselves and at the same time deal with contraception. Another difficulty that some women bring to the attention of the gynecologist is the difficulty accepting a foreign body in the vagina: It is clear that it is indeed a foreign body, but when placed, its presence is not perceived and it is very well tolerated. Only rarely can the contraceptive ring be perceived by the partner during vaginal penetrative intercourse. Some contraceptive rings are sold with an applicator similar to that used to insert tampons for menstrual protection and thus facilitate insertion of the ring into the vagina.
Regarding the side effects and contraindications of the contraceptive ring, are the same as those of the pill. It will be the gynecologist who will assess whether there are any contraindications, excluding these, the choice of contraceptive is made by mutual agreement with the woman’s needs, so it is important to specify needs, doubts, difficulties in order to have a contraceptive method that is tailored.
