The vaginal ring is a hormone form of contraception that is obtained by prescription. It is a soft synthetic piece of plastic that a woman inserts into her vagina once a month to prevent pregnancy. It contains synthetic hormones that are absorbed in the vagina. The vaginal ring is commonly known as NuvaRing. The failure rate is less than 2% when used effectively and consistently. This type of birth control does not protect against  sexually transmitted diseases STDs. The ring starts working right away but it is advised that you use a second form of birth control during the first seven days of the first month of using ring.

How does the vaginal ring work ?

The synthetic hormones in the vaginal ring are absorbed into the  reproductive system. This helps regulate  fertility in a way similar to the way natural hormones work.

The vaginal ring  prevents pregnancy in three different ways. These include the following :

• it prevents eggs from being released from the ovaries
• it makes cervical mucus thicker to prevent sperms from reaching the egg
• it changes the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation

How is the vaginal ring used ?

It is inserted into the vagina where it stays in place for 3 weeks. It is removed during the fourth week for menstruation to occur. After the fourth week, the process is repeated all over again.

Who should not use the vaginal ring ?

You should not use the ring if you have  following medical conditions

• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• breast or uterine cancer
• history of a blood clotting condition
• history of heart attack or stroke
• allergic to hormones
• unusual vaginal bleeding
• history of liver disease

You should also avoid using the ring if you smoke.

What are advantages of the vaginal ring ?

Some of the advantages of this hormonal birth control include the following :

• it is simple, safe and convenient
• it is reversible
• has minimal side effects
• you don’t have to do anything before sexual intercourse
• you do not have to go to the hospital for a shot each month
• you don’t have to remember to take a pill  each day

What are the disadvantages of the vaginal ring ?

Some of the cons of this type of birth control include :

• it does not protect against STDs
• requires monthly insertion and removal
• requires a prescription

What are some of the side effects of the vaginal ring ?

Some of the side effects you may experience include the following :

• nausea
• headaches
• dizziness
• breast tenderness
• fatigue
• change of appetite
• moderate weight gain

NOTE :  If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using the vaginal ring .