Birth Control

Vaginal
Contraceptive Ring

Description

It will look like a small flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina, there is will over time release a low dose of hormones that are absorbed through the skin, altering your hormone balance and making your less fertile to prevent pregnancy.

Effectiveness

A vaginal contraceptive ring (aka intra-vaginal ring or V-ring) is 99% effective when used as directed, and because a V-ring only needs to be changed out monthly it is often seen as more effective then the pill by removing the risk of forgetting to take her daily dosage.

Usage

A woman will "wear" the ring inside her vagina for 3 weeks a month taking it out for the fourth week. Once the ring is removed a women will enter her menstrual cycle, and once her menstrual cycle ends she inserts a new V-ring.

A V-ring is simple to use and can be self-administered because the exact placement of the contraceptive ring is not important so long as it is inside the vagina. For comforts sake you should try to have it up near your cervix or high in the vagina so you wont feel it during sex as much.

Directions

When using the V-ring simply squeeze the ring between the thumb and index finger, and gently insert it into the vagina and to remove it you will simply hook the index finger under the rim and pull. The muscles of the vagina will keep it in place even during sex so you don't need to worry about it coming out (usually). Removing the ring requires you to remove. Some people can also squeeze the ring between the thumb and index finger and slowly pull it out.

It is recommended you double check the placement of the ring after sex, exercise, or a difficult bowel movement. When you are using the V-ring you can take it out for up to three hours and still have it be effective. This should provide you with plenty of leeway in case it does accidentally fall out, or if you want to take it out before engaging in Intercourse.

Advantages

An Intra Vaginal ring is not only very effective, but its also convenient, completely reversible, and easy to use. Since a V ring is small and flexible it only needs to come in one size, allowing you to see your doctor about which one is right for you and then can fit it yourself.

For many, this puts the spontaneity back into sex and removed the set backs and annoyance other contraceptives can cause. Finally the ring is a hormonal contraceptive, so some women will enjoy the side effects which can include; less menstrual cramps; menstrual regularity, as well as lighter, shorter cycles; and alleviation of PMS symptoms.

Disadvantages

Like any hormonal contraceptive this ring can cause blood clots, which may lead to stroke or heart attacks. Certain factors increase these risks like cigarette smoking, being over thirty, or a family or personal history of cardiovascular disease.

Users can also experience depression, anxiety, irritability, acne, bloating and abnormal hair growth, break-through bleeding, headache, weight gain, nausea, changes in Menstruation, irritation, vaginal secretions (e.g. Leucorrhea), and vaginal infections such as vaginitis.

Some women will still find the ring uncomfortable or may have issues with the ring keep falling out accidentally as one size fits most, not all.