What is the contraceptive ring?
The contraceptive ring, also known as the vaginal ring, is a method of birth control. It contains artificial forms of the hormones normally produced in a woman’s ovaries: estrogen and progestin. These prevent the ovary from releasing an egg during her menstrual cycle. Progestogen also helps prevent sperm from entering the uterus, causing the mucus in the cervix to thicken.
Why is it performed?
It is used to prevent unwanted pregnancies, since it works better than birth control pills.
What does it consist of?
It is a flexible ring about five centimeters in diameter that the woman places inside her vagina. It is a monthly contraceptive that has to remain in the vagina for three weeks. It is then removed one week later, coinciding with the menstrual period.
Once inserted into the vagina, it releases progestin and estrogen to prevent pregnancy.
Preparing for the contraceptive ring
Like other hormonal methods, a doctor’s prescription is required to start treatment.
Keep in mind that the contraceptive ring can cause side effects such as nausea, breast tenderness, vaginitis, or breakthrough bleeding.