Vaginal Ring for Birth Control How It Works, Benefits & Risk

There are several birth control methods available to prevent pregnancy and enjoy protected sex. One such birth control method is a vaginal ring or inserting a ring in vagina. In this article, we will discuss everything one needs to know about a vaginal ring.

What is a vaginal ring?

The vaginal ring is a safe and effective hormonal birth control method. It is a soft, flexible plastic ring that is comfortable to insert into the vagina. One ring can prevent pregnancy for 30 days. Ring birth control is essentially about constantly supplying the body with oestrogen and progestogen to avoid pregnancy.

Facts about the vaginal ring in a nutshell

• One can have sex when the birth control ring is in its place without worrying about pregnancy for approximately a month. The vaginal ring is proven to be 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

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• The vaginal ring contraceptive helps ease premenstrual symptoms like cramps and reduces pain during the menstrual cycle.

• The pussy ring has fewer side effects when used correctly. In rare cases, women experience temporary side effects like headaches, breast tenderness, and vaginal discharge. One of the rare side effects is developing a blood clot.

• The vagina ring, however, does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, and one must practice using condoms during sex.

• In some unfavourable conditions, the ring may come out on its own. In such a case, the person can wash the ring with warm water and put it back immediately.

How does the vaginal ring function?

The contraceptive vaginal ring slowly releases hormones oestrogen and progestogen in the bloodstream through the vaginal lining. Oestrogen prevents ovulation, and progestogen thickens the cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from reaching an egg. The ring also thins the uterus lining, preventing the fertilised egg from implanting itself. When used correctly, a vaginal ring is an effective birth control method.

One needs to wear a birth control ring for three weeks (21 days), remove it for one week (7 days) then insert a new ring in the vagina.

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How to insert the ring?

Inserting a ring in vagina is as easy as inserting a tampon. Follow the below-mentioned steps to insert the ring hassle-free.

• Make sure your hands are clean.

• Stand with one leg on the chair.

• Hold the ring between the index finger and thumb. Squeeze the ring so the sides of the rings touch

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• Gently push the ring into the vagina as far as possible. It should feel comfortable.

How to take off the ring?

Removing the ring is easy, and it should be painless. With a clean hand, put a finger into the vagina and pull the ring outside. Put it in a bag and throw it in the bin. If one experiences bleeding or pain during removal, it is time to visit the doctor.

After the 21 days, one can choose to stay ring free for 7 days and then insert a new ring. Or put the new ring right away.

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What will happen in case you don't remove the ring after 21 days?

If one does not remove the vaginal ring after 21 days till 4 weeks, the person can prevent pregnancy and won't need additional contraceptives.

Suppose the vaginal ring stays inside for more than four weeks, the chances of getting pregnant are increased. And the person might need to use additional contraceptive as condoms or emergency contraception. In this case, the person also needs to consult a doctor.

1. If you forget to put a new ring in

If someone forgets to put in a new vaginal ring, the person needs to use additional contraception to prevent pregnancy.

2. If the ring falls out on its own

If the vaginal ring falls out on its own, the person may need to insert a new ring depending on the cycle. It is best to consult a doctor in such a scenario.

Who should use the vaginal ring?

Women can wear vaginal rings up to 50, provided they don't smoke and have no medical reason not to wear a ring.

But there are some cases where using a vaginal ring is not recommended.

• People with blood clots

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• People with high blood pressure and heart-related problems

• People who have migraine with aura

• People who have breast cancer

• People with diabetes and related complications

• People who are 35 years or older and smoke

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• Overweight people

• People on medication that can interact with the ring

Right after giving birth

One can use a vaginal ring after giving birth, depending on whether they are breastfeeding. It is advised to consult a doctor as every person has a different health condition.

After an abortion or miscarriage

One can start using the ring immediately after an abortion or miscarriage. If one doesn't, the person will need to use additional contraception.

Benefits of a vaginal ring

Here are some of the most important benefits of a vaginal ring:

• It is easy to insert and take out.

• It does not affect intercourse.

• It eases premenstrual symptoms.

• The ring is not affected when the person is vomiting or has diarrhoea.

Risks of a vaginal ring

The risks of using a vaginal ring are fewer, but one must consult a doctor to understand them better.

What to do if you're under 16 years old?

If you’re below 16 years of age and want to use a vaginal ring or have concerns about inserting a ring in vagina, you should consult your doctor. Using contraception is free and confidential. Doctors usually educate people under 16 years old about contraception and help them understand the risks involved.