Mode of action :
- It prevents ovulation.
- It thickens cervical mucus at the cervix, blocking the passage for spermatozoa (sperm).
- It thins the lining of the uterus (endometrium), making it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant.
Advantages
- It does not interfere with the sexual relations (no need to remove it before or after intercourse);
- It reduces the risk of forgetting since the ring is changed once a month;
- Unlike the pill, the ring’s effectiveness is not diminished by vomiting or diarrhea;
- It produces regular, predictable bleeding and regulates the menstrual cycle;
- It may reduce premenstrual symptoms, heavy bleeding, and cramps;
- It reduces the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer;
- It is generally very effective if it is inserted into the vagina for 21 days and a new one is inserted 7 days after its removal;
- Fertility returns as soon as the method is discontinued.
- It does not interfere with the sexual relations (no need to remove it before or after intercourse);
- It reduces the risk of forgetting since the ring is changed once a month;
- Unlike the pill, the ring’s effectiveness is not diminished by vomiting or diarrhea;
- It produces regular, predictable bleeding and regulates the menstrual cycle;
- It may reduce premenstrual symptoms, heavy bleeding, and cramps;
- It reduces the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer;
- It is generally very effective if it is inserted into the vagina for 21 days and a new one is inserted 7 days after its removal;
- Fertility returns as soon as the method is discontinued.
Disadvantages
- It does not offer protection against sexually transmitted and/or blood-borne infections (STBBIs);
- The most common side effects are irregular bleeding, headaches, nausea, increased vaginal discharge, etc. It’s advisable to wait 3 months before changing contraceptive methods, as side effects generally disappear after this period. However, if side effects are severe, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible;
- Occasionally, some people are bothered by the presence of the vaginal ring during intercourse;
- The ring is contraindicated for certain people: smokers over the age of 35; women who are pregnant or think they may be; those with a history of arterial problems or thrombosis (blood clots), etc.
How can I get it?
Instructions for Use
When should I start taking the vaginal contraceptive ring?
- Within 5 days after the start of menstruation, and ideally on the first day.
- The Sunday following the first day of menstruation, which often allows you to avoid bleeding on the weekend.
- Any other day of the cycle.
Caution!
When starting this method, we recommend using a condom for a minimum of 7 days, because the contraceptive ring does not reach its maximum effectiveness in the first few days. Nonetheless, it is advisable to use a condom for the first month as you get into the habit of using your method.
Afterwards…
The soft, folded ring is inserted into the vagina by pushing it with the fingers. It is left in place for 21 days.
It can be removed for a maximum of 3 consecutive hours.
Finally, after these 3 weeks, it is removed for a period of 7 days. Bleeding occurs during that week
After the one-week break, it is important to insert a new ring on the scheduled date, even if there is still bleeding.
The continuous vaginal contraceptive ring
It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using a continuous contraceptive method. Some women do not tolerate the continuous ring and may experience side effects such as headaches, breast pain, bloating, irregular bleeding, etc.
If a woman uses the ring continuously and experiences a situation that has reduced its effectiveness, she may not realize as quickly that she is pregnant because of the prolonged absence of bleeding. This can reduce the available choices in the event of an unplanned pregnancy.
Situations that reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive ring
If you find yourself in one of these situations, find out if an emergency method can help you prevent pregnancy!
Removing the ring from the vagina or forgetting to use it
WHAT TO DO?
If the ring has been outside the vagina for less than 3 hours:
- Rinse the ring with lukewarm water and reinsert it as soon as possible;
- Keep it in place until the scheduled removal day.
If the ring has remained outside the vagina for more than 3 hours during the 1st week after its insertion:
- Insert it as soon as possible after rinsing it with cool or lukewarm water;
- Keep it in place until the scheduled removal day.
If the ring has remained outside the vagina for more than 3 hours during the 2nd or 3rd week after its insertion:
- Reinsert it as soon as possible after rinsing it with cool or lukewarm water;
- Keep it in until the scheduled removal day;
- Start a new cycle with a new ring without taking a ring-free break. Bleeding may occur only in the following month.
If the ring has remained outside the vagina for less than 3 days:
- Reinsert it as soon as possible after rinsing it with cool or lukewarm water;
- Keep it in until the scheduled removal day;
- Start a new cycle with a new ring without taking a ring-free break. Bleeding may occur only in the following month.
If the ring has been outside the vagina for more than 3 days:
- Reinsert it as soon as possible after rinsing it with cool or lukewarm water;
- Keep it in place until the scheduled removal day;
- Start a new cycle with a new ring without taking a ring-free break. Bleeding may occur only in the following month.
Forgetting to reinsert a new ring after the ring-free break:
- Insert the ring as soon as possible;
- Keep it in place until the scheduled removal day.