There are many methods of contraception, characterized by varying degrees of reliability. One way to prevent unwanted conception is through vaginal rings.
This is a modern, convenient to use, affordable, and most importantly, highly effective method.
What is a vaginal ring?
As the name implies, this contraceptive device is made in the form of a ring with a diameter of not more than 5.5 cm from elastic hypoallergenic materials. It bends easily, takes the necessary shape well and is able to maintain it for a long time.
The contraceptive vaginal ring contains progesterone and estrogen preparations in microdoses. A complex membrane system contributes to the slow release of these hormones within 21 days, affecting the menstrual cycle (see below for a therapeutic effect) and preventing pregnancy.
Mechanism of action
Research and practical applications have proven that vaginal rings are a reliable method of contraception. Its effectiveness even exceeds that of COCs (combined oral contraceptives: Yarina, Marvelon, etc.).
The vaginal ring (NovaRing, for example) contains ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel, the gradual release of which helps to suppress ovulation, increase the density of mucus produced in the vagina and cervix, which prevents the progress of sperm.
The vaginal ring also has a therapeutic effect, as it normalizes the hormonal background, thereby correcting such irregularities of the menstrual cycle as irregularity and pain.
Indications for use of the vaginal ring
Actually, vaginal rings are prescribed
for one purpose: preventing
unwanted pregnancy. Although, as mentioned above, they have a therapeutic effect, but they are not used for the purpose of correcting the menstrual cycle. This is due to the fact that the action of the ring is mainly local (directly into the vagina), and for the effective treatment of cycle disorders, a systemic effect of hormones is required. Thus, the therapeutic effect of the use of the vaginal ring is a side effect, albeit useful.
Are there any contraindications?
The vaginal rings, like any medicine, are not suitable for everyone. They cannot be used in the following conditions:
- Hypersensitivity to the components contained in the ring (allergy).
- Thrombosis (both venous and arterial). All drugs of sex hormones sin with this drawback: an increase in blood viscosity, an increased risk of blood clots. In the vaginal ring, due to its predominantly local effect, this effect is slightly pronounced.
- Hormonal disorders: obesity (metabolic syndrome).
- Diabetes mellitus (since the latter is accompanied by a violation of microcirculation, and the drugs that make up the vaginal ring contribute to thrombosis, which further impairs blood circulation).
- Digestive diseases: pancreatitis, hepatitis.
- Neoplasms (both malignant and benign), especially hormone-dependent tumors.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Uterine bleeding of unknown origin.
The use of the vaginal ring should be treated with caution when lowering the pelvic organs.
Important! In case of uterine prolapse, special uterine rings (pessaries) are used. They should not be confused with contraceptive vaginal rings.
In addition, they are not used in the following cases:
- Thrombophlebitis (see clause on thrombosis).
- Anemia.
- Jaundice.
- Cholelithiasis.
- Pathology of the valvular apparatus of the heart.
Side effects
As mentioned above, the vaginal ring has a predominantly local effect, therefore, unlike the same COCs, their undesirable effects are not so pronounced.
- Effects associated with the action of hormonal drugs in the ring: engorgement of the mammary glands, acyclic bleeding, dryness of the vaginal mucosa, โhot flashesโ, etc.
- Allergy.
- Infections of the genital organs and cystitis (usually this is due to a violation of sterility with the introduction of the ring into the vagina).
- Headache.
- Constipation, vomiting.
- Depression.
How to use the vaginal ring?
Insert the ring into the vagina should be the next menstruation (on the first day of bleeding). A woman can do this on her own from a position convenient for her. The ring is compressed with your fingers and inserted as deep as possible into the vagina. Basic rule: do not forget to wash your hands!
The vaginal ring is set for 21 days, after which it should be removed, and after a 7-day break, enter a new one.
If the ring accidentally falls out prematurely, it can be used again, after washing with warm boiled water.
What do women say?
Those who have already used such a contraceptive method as the vaginal ring, reviews leave mostly positive.
Among the advantages, insignificance of side effects (due to a purely local effect), the need to introduce a new ring only once a month, therapeutic effect (for example, reducing the pain of menstruation), effective contraception, the absence of disturbances in the vaginal microflora and the associated unpleasant consequences like candidiasis (thrush) are noted. , rapid recovery of ovulation after discontinuation of use.
Among the shortcomings: the unfamiliarity of use (not every woman can enter the ring on her own, some have to turn to a gynecologist for help), a wide list of contraindications, the need for additional barrier methods (the ring does not protect against sexually transmitted infections).
Uterine prolapse ring
The vaginal rings, when a uterine prolapse is prescribed by a doctor, should not be confused with contraceptives. They are made of other materials (not so soft and elastic) and perform a completely different function.
The causes of prolapse and prolapse of the uterus are diverse: frequent and complicated births, congenital anomalies of the genitals and their ligamentous apparatus, increased intra-abdominal pressure (hernias, obesity, etc.).
The most common symptoms are pain in the lower abdomen, a foreign body sensation in the vagina, pain in the sexual intercourse, and dysfunction of the rectum and bladder.
The main treatment method (it is also the most effective) is surgical.
However, if for some reason the operation is not possible, conservative methods are used, including uterine rings.
The vaginal ring when omitted (pessary) is a special device that fixes the cervix and holds it in the correct position.
You need to wear the ring for a long time, and from here such unwanted effects as pressure sores and genital infections. However, even prolonged use of the pessary does not guarantee success; a truly effective method is only surgery.
PS Vaginal rings are a drug, so be sure to consult a specialist before use.