The contraceptive ring is one of the newest methods for birth control but it is important to know your strengths and weaknesses.
What is the contraceptive ring?
The contraceptive ring, also called contraceptive ring, ring or monthly vaginal ring is a flexible transparent circle ring measures about two inches in diameter and can place the woman herself inside her vagina on the first day of menstruation.
The contraceptive ring releases hormones for three weeks that inhibit ovulation. After three weeks, the contraceptive ring must be removed and, after seven days, a new vaginal ring is placed. During the week of rest menstruation appears.
The vaginal ring is used monthly or quarterly designed for women who for a period of between 9 and 12 months are lactating. The quarterly ring is placed every 3 months and is hormone containing progesterone.
Thus the period of amenorrhea (absence of menstrual bleeding) and postpartum anovulation is prolonged, thus reinforcing the natural processes of fertility control associated with breastfeeding.
Composition and mechanism of action
The contraceptive ring is made of a material known as ethylene vinyl acetate (not related to the latex) containing hormones and contraceptive action.
The hormones are two: an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and a progestogen (etonogestrel), which are evenly distributed in the ring core. Once placed into the vagina, the hormones are released gradually and steadily, into the bloodstream, inhibiting ovulation.
If no egg, pregnancy risk is eliminated. Hormones released by the ring also alter the consistency of the cervical mucus, making it thicker to prevent the passage of sperm.
How the contraceptive vaginal ring is placed?
The contraceptive ring is very easy to install. Pressed with fingers and slowly inserted into the vagina. It is easier to wear a tampon, as the contraceptive ring is thin and smooth surface makes it easy to slide into the vagina.
The ring has to be noted that the upper part of the vagina is not touch sensitive. If it shows you just have to push a little ring inwards.
The effectiveness of the vaginal ring, once inside the vagina, not depends on its position. Thanks to its elasticity is completely adapted to the female anatomy.
How long should you wear it?
Once placed the vaginal ring, is left in place for three weeks. Hormones are gradually freeing. Hormone levels will be low and constant throughout the month.
After three weeks the contraceptive ring is removed. It’s simple. The finger is inserted into the vagina and gently pull the ring. In the bye week menstruation will appear (usually within 48 hours)
If relations are maintained during this period other method is not necessary, provided that the pattern has been followed 3 weeks of use and rest one. After the bye week, place a new contraceptive ring.
Advantages of contraceptive ring
- Its efficiency is high 99.7%.
- The concentration of hormones is half that of other methods.
- Its duration is monthly, women do not have to remember your birth control every day.
- You can reduce the risk of uterine cancer.
- It does not look even noticed, is totally private.
- Side effects at gastrointestinal level, of other hormonal methods are eliminated.
- Maintaining efficacy in case of diarrhea or vomiting since no hormone expulsion occurs, as with reducing the effects of the pill.
- Antibiotics do not affect its effectiveness, in the case of contraceptive pills does occur.
- Once abandoned this method, the woman regains its fertility.
Disadvantages
- The contraceptive ring does NOT protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV-AIDS.
- In some instances, the ring could be noted during intercourse.
- For some women, the placement may be uncomfortable.
- In some women may present adverse side effects as with taking the pill. The hormones in the ring can promote blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks especially in women smokers.
- The contraceptive ring is not indicated for women over 35, or very obese and changes in cholesterol levels and smoking.
