Vaginal ring is worn contained in the vagina to forestall undesirable being pregnant. It’s delicate and versatile. Know if vaginal ring could be worn throughout intercourse or not.
The world of contraception has undergone a paradigm shift over time. From medicines to condoms and specialised gadgets, persons are turning to a number of contraception strategies to forestall being pregnant. Individuals additionally use a vaginal ring, which is a skinny, versatile ring inserted into the vagina. As soon as it’s inserted, it releases hormones for about three weeks. It’s an easy-to-use contraception technique, which has its set of advantages and negative effects.
What’s a vaginal ring?
A vaginal ring is a small, versatile, round system used as a way of contraception. It iss made from plastic and is designed to be inserted into the vagina, the place it releases hormones to forestall being pregnant. The ring sometimes releases a mixture of estrogen and progestin, just like these present in contraception tablets. “These hormones work by stopping ovulation, making the cervical mucus thick in order that it may well block sperm, and thinning the uterine lining to forestall implantation,” explains gynaecologist Dr Ritambhara Bhalla. The vaginal ring is often worn for 3 weeks, adopted by a one-week break throughout which menstruation happens, after which a brand new ring is inserted.
The vaginal ring works by releasing a gradual, low dose of hormones, sometimes estrogen and progestin, into the bloodstream by means of the partitions of the vagina. These hormones stop being pregnant within the following methods:
- The hormones stop the ovaries from releasing an egg every month.
- The progestin within the ring thickens the mucus within the cervix, making it troublesome for sperm to swim by means of the cervix and attain an egg if one have been launched.
- The hormones additionally skinny the liner of the uterus, making it much less possible {that a} fertilised egg can implant and develop.
If you happen to use it in an accurate method, the vaginal ring could be greater than 99 p.c efficient in stopping being pregnant, as per the UK’s Nationwide Well being Service.
What are the forms of vaginal rings?
There are primarily two forms of vaginal rings used for contraception:
1. Etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol ring
It’s the most generally recognized and used vaginal ring, which is versatile, and clear, and is about 2 inches in diameter. “It’s sometimes worn contained in the vagina for 3 weeks, adopted by a one-week break throughout which menstruation happens,” says the skilled. After per week’s break, a brand new ring is inserted into the vagina. It releases a mixture of estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (etonogestrel) to forestall being pregnant.
2. Segesterone acetate/ethinyl estradiol ring
It’s a reusable vaginal ring that can be utilized for as much as one 12 months. The ring is produced from silicone and has a barely bigger diameter than the etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol ring. The reusable ring is inserted for 3 weeks and eliminated for one week, throughout which intervals happen. After the one-week break, the identical ring is reinserted. This cycle could be repeated for 13 cycles (one 12 months). A mix of estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (segesterone acetate) hormones are launched.
insert a vaginal ring?
Comply with these steps to ensure your vaginal ring works effectively:
- Earlier than inserting the ring, guarantee your arms are clear to forestall an infection.
- Discover a snug place, resembling standing with one leg up, mendacity down, or squatting.
- Squeeze the ring between your thumb and index finger to compress it. Gently insert the ring into your vagina, pushing it up till it feels snug and is positioned appropriately.
You will need to insert the brand new ring on the identical day of the week because the earlier ring to take care of the contraceptive’s effectiveness. “If you happen to delay reinserting the ring past the seven-day break, its effectiveness could also be decreased, and also you would possibly want to make use of a backup technique of contraception, like condoms, for the primary seven days after reinsertion,” says Dr Bhalla.
Can you will have intercourse with a vaginal ring?
Sure, you may have intercourse with the vaginal ring in place. “This contraception system is designed in such a method that it may well keep in place even throughout intercourse and so, it doesn’t must be eliminated,” says the skilled. Most ladies don’t really feel the vaginal ring throughout intercourse. It’s delicate, versatile, and sits excessive sufficient within the vagina that it sometimes doesn’t intrude with sexual exercise. Some males would possibly really feel the ring, however it’s often a gentle sensation.
Right here’s what to do if it’s uncomfortable:
- Gently push the ring larger into the vagina to cut back any sensation.
- If you happen to take away the vaginal ring to have intercourse, it needs to be put again in inside three hours to take care of its effectiveness. If you happen to neglect to reinsert it inside three hours, use a backup technique of contraception.
What are the negative effects of vaginal rings?
Widespread negative effects of a vaginal ring embrace complications, nausea, and vomiting, in accordance with analysis revealed within the Therapeutic Advances In Reproductive Well being in 2023. Girls might also expertise yeast infections, ache within the stomach, dysmenorrhea or painful intervals, breast tenderness, irregular intervals, and vaginal itching, in accordance with the US. Meals and Drug Administration.
These negative effects could also be skilled by any girl carrying the ring. “However ladies with uncontrolled hypertension mustn’t use the ring because of the danger of additional rising blood stress,” says Dr Bhalla.
The vaginal ring is an efficient technique to forestall being pregnant, however don’t neglect when to reinsert it into the vagina. It may be worn throughout intercourse, as it’s versatile and delicate.
