This week we’re looking at the vaginal ring which is a type of contraception inserted into the vagina to stop you becoming pregnant.
Sex on Female First
The ring is a small, soft plastic ring that you place inside your vagina. It is 4mm thick and 5.5cm in diameter. You wear the ring for 21 days at a time to prevent pregnancy.
The ring works by continually releasing oestrogen and progestogen, synthetic versions of the hormones that are naturally released by the ovaries, to prevent you from getting pregnant.
These hormones work by stopping you from ovulating (your ovaries releasing an egg) and also thicken the vaginal mucus which makes it harder for sperm to get through.
The ring also thins the lining of the womb making it difficult for an egg to implant itself there.
This type of contraception is 99 per cent effective when it is used correctly. Your doctor or nurse can give you tips on how to insert the ring correctly and ensure it stays in place.
To use the ring, you place in inside your vagina on the first day of your period. You then remove the ring 21 days later and throw it in the bin (not down the toilet) then wait for seven days until inserting a new one.
The benefits of the ring are that you only have to use one for 21 days so you don’t have to constantly think about contraception.
You can also have sex with the ring in place and unlike the Pill, the ring will still be effective even if you have diarrhoea or vomit.
The ring also eases the pain of your periods and can decrease flow making them much lighter.
Some women do experience temporary side effects of the vaginal ring. These include more vaginal discharge, headaches and breast tenderness.
Sometimes the ring can come out on its own, usually from having sex or being constipated. If this happens, wash it with warm water and then put it back into place.
If the ring has been out for over three hours you will need to visit your doctor as there is a risk that you could get pregnant.
Women who have experienced a blood clot, have high blood pressure or who are over 35 and smoke (or have stopped smoking in the last year) are not advised to use the vaginal ring as, in rare cases, it can cause blood clots in women.
Women who also suffer from severe migraines with warning symptoms or who are overweight are also advised not to use vaginal ring.
Remember to always use condoms when using the ring to protect you against STIs.
For more information about the vaginal ring or any other form of contraception visit your GP or nhs.uk.