What is the Vaginal Ring ?

The vaginal ring is a small, flexible ring a woman inserts into her vagina once a month to prevent pregnancy. It is left in place for three weeks and taken out for the remaining week each month. The vaginal ring is commonly called NuvaRing, its brand name. 

How Does the Vaginal Ring Work ?

Like other methods of birth control, NuvaRing releases hormones. Hormones are chemicals made in our bodies. The hormones in NuvaRing are the same hormones as in the birth control pill-estrogen and progestin.

The hormones work by keeping a woman’s ovaries from releasing eggs that is preventing ovulation. Pregnancy cannot happen if there is no egg to join with sperm. The hormones in NuvaRing also prevent pregnancy by thickening a woman’s cervical mucus. The mucus blocks sperm and keeps it from joining with an egg.

What Are the Benefits of the Vaginal Ring?

Using the vaginal ring is safe, simple, and convenient. There is nothing to do right before having sex. Some women say it improves their sex lives because it helps them feel more spontaneous.

Many women who use the vaginal ring have more regular, lighter, and shorter periods. And a woman’s ability to become pregnant returns quickly when use of the ring is stopped.

Because the ring works like the pill, it probably offers the same benefits. These health benefits may include some protection against

• Acne
• Breast growths that are not cancer
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Endometrial and ovarian cancers — protection increases with each year of use
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Ovarian cysts
• Pelvic inflammatory disease, which often leads to infertility when left untreated
• Premenstrual symptoms, including headaches and depression
• Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse related to menopause.

Some women may have undesirable side effects while using NuvaRing. But many women adjust to it with few or no problems.

Some of the most common side effects usually clear up after two or three months. They include

• Bleeding between periods
• Breast tenderness
• Nausea and vomiting

NuvaRing may also cause more long-lasting side effects. It may cause increased vaginal discharge, vaginal irritation, or infection. The hormones in NuvaRing may change a woman’s sexual desire.

How Do I Use the Vaginal Ring?

Most women find that NuvaRing is very easy to use. Just insert one new ring into your vagina and keep it in place for three weeks in a row. Then remove it for one week — three weeks in, one week out. Insert a new ring after one week.