A contraceptive such as the contraceptive ring is a combination hormone with minimal doses of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. This is a new method of preventing pregnancy, which is convenient and effective.
Outwardly, the contraceptive ring resembles an elastic circle, the diameter and thickness of which are 54 mm and 4 mm, respectively. The indicated size is universal, since after its introduction it adjusts to the anatomical features of the woman’s body. To date, the only supplier of birth control rings for women is the Netherlands, where Nova Ring is produced.
Useful Information
Some useful facts:
- The hormones contained in the ring block the onset of ovulation.
- For the period of wearing rings, menstruation stops.
- 8% of women who prefer to wear rings become pregnant.
- To activate the ring, you must wear it for several days.
- During sexual contact, the device does not interfere.
- The ring does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
The mechanism of action of the drug
The vaginal contraceptive ring in international gynecological practice has been used for about ten years. Such substances as estrogen and progesterone are hidden under its thin shell. These two hormones, which contain the contraceptive ring, allow you to block the ovulatory process and interfere with the penetration of sperm due to the fact that they contribute to an increase in the density of the mucus of the cervix.
In order for the ring to begin to work, it will take him several days. Once in the woman’s vagina, the contraceptive begins to release hormones in very small doses when exposed to body temperature. If we talk about which is better - birth control pills or a ring - then it should be said that in the first case, hormones are secreted in much larger quantities. Both the uterus and the ovaries are affected.
Specifics of use
The contraceptive ring "Nova Ring" women can use on their own, without resorting to the help of a gynecologist. The tool is presented in pharmacies in the public domain. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using the Nova Ring ring. This will make it possible to verify the absence of contraindications for the use of the drug. Otherwise, there will always be a likelihood of side effects that can not affect the health in the best way.
Before recommending the drug, the doctor directs the patient to:
- Ultrasound
- blood test necessary for assessing hormonal status.
Only after receiving the results of the studies, the doctor will be able to say whether the use of the indicated agent is permissible.
When buying a contraceptive ring, instructions for it are also attached. It is she who must be followed in the process of using the medication. Before starting the device, it is recommended that you wash your hands thoroughly. To ensure the painlessness of the procedure, it is necessary to take an appropriate position. So, input can be carried out in a prone position or squatting. The ring should be squeezed in the hand, after which it will easily pass into the vagina. Enter the device as deep as possible. The indicated procedure is somewhat similar to the use of hygienic tampons. After entering the vagina, the ring assumes an appropriate position.
If a woman does not feel discomfort, then this indicates that the device is entered correctly.
Ring removal
Withdrawing the ring from the vagina is as simple as inserting it. It is necessary to carry out manipulations that are similar to those described. But you need to do this in the reverse order. To prevent infection, wash your hands thoroughly.
You can get a gynecological contraceptive ring using your index finger. Just pry it off. In general, the instructions for the device provide a detailed description of how the indicated procedures are performed. It is also important to remember that there is a chance of spontaneous prolapse of the contraceptive ring. This can happen if a woman used a tampon. In this situation, you can thoroughly flush the device and introduce it back.
Permissible period of use
As indicated in the instructions for use, the device can be used for 21 days. However, often women are not able to track this time due to high employment. As a result, the drug continues to remain in the vagina after the recommended period.
Of course, such a situation is not capable of causing harm to health, however, it should be understood that after the completion of the designated period, the effect of the drug continues to persist for another 7 days, i.e., after their expiration, there is the likelihood of an unplanned pregnancy.
Use of the product after childbirth or abortion
You can use a hormonal agent only when a woman is not breastfeeding. And so, the use of the drug is permissible after 4 weeks after labor. During the first week of the use of the contraceptive ring, it is recommended to additionally use barrier contraception.
If before the moment the device was introduced, there was unprotected sexual contact, experts recommend waiting for menstruation and make sure that there is no pregnancy.
The probability of pregnancy when using the product
Hormonal birth control rings have established themselves as an excellent contraceptive if used properly. As statistics show, only 3 out of 1,000 girls become pregnant with the correct use of the indicated drug. In case of violation of the rules of use, this figure increases to 8 cases.
Side effect of birth control rings
A side effect from the designated device is quite rare and manifests itself in the following points:
- dizziness and headaches;
- sharp mood swings;
- a feeling of nausea;
- decreased libido;
- breast growth;
- the likelihood of developing vaginitis or cystitis;
- menstrual irregularities.
A side effect, as a rule, is manifested at the initial stage of the use of the drug.
Existing contraindications
As contraindications against the use of this device, experts distinguish:
- phlebeurysm;
- chronic liver disease;
- pregnancy status and breastfeeding;
- pancreas inflammation;
- the presence of diabetes;
- overweight;
- vaginal bleeding of unknown origin;
- the presence of a tumor;
- and finally, individual intolerance to the indicated drug.
Positive and negative aspects of the use of the drug
As the advantages of vaginal contraceptive rings, experts distinguish:
- its high efficiency;
- ease of use;
- minimum hormone content in it;
- normalization of the menstrual cycle;
- a decrease in the likelihood of developing cancer of the uterus and ovaries;
- fast recovery of reproductive functions;
- the ability to not tell your sex partner about protection;
- reduction of PMS symptoms.
As a negative side from the use of the drug, doctors call:
- contraceptive rings "Nova Ring" are not able to protect a woman from sexually transmitted infections;
- the likelihood of pain in the mammary glands;
- a change in the nature of menstrual bleeding;
- the presence of side effects;
- A considerable list of existing contraindications.
The ability to delay the onset of the menstrual cycle
Through the use of hormonal contraceptive rings, the period of menstrual bleeding can be postponed. To achieve this effect, you should exclude the break of 7 days and start using a new ring immediately after the term of application of the previous one has expired.
A few reasons for using the tool
In favor of the use of the vaginal contraceptive ring, experts cite the following arguments:
- reliable protection against unwanted pregnancy for 21 days;
- the product secretes natural female hormones, in addition, it does not affect the functioning of the liver and other organs of the digestive system;
- the ring does not interfere with an active intimate life;
- does not cause discomfort;
- just a month after the ring is removed, a woman can begin to plan a pregnancy.
In addition to the above, it should be noted that even the minimum dose of hormones has a beneficial effect on a woman’s health and has an oncoprotective effect. This ensures the stabilization of the hormonal background, the menstrual cycle is normalized, and the pain syndrome manifested during menstrual bleeding subsides.
Women's reviews
Existing reviews on the NovaRing contraceptive ring suggest that the representatives of the beautiful half of humanity are satisfied with this contraceptive. As a rule, all the girls who use this contraceptive for a long time are very satisfied with the effect obtained.
Even those women who experienced some discomfort while using the device give very good reviews on the NovaRing contraceptive ring.
In conclusion, we can add that such a contraceptive allows women to feel confident and safe in sex, as well as protection from an unplanned pregnancy. And it is better to resort to such methods of protection than after deciding the question of what to do with the onset of pregnancy.