Intravaginal contraception consists in the vaginal placement of a ring-shaped device loaded with contraceptive hormones (Estrogen + Progestins). Its cyclic use regulates menstruation and prevents fertilization like any other hormonal method taken by mouth but with the advantage of having less hormonal dose and and its involuntary use much easier to follow, an element that improves contraceptive compliance.

How is the vaginal ring used?

The patient places the ring deep into the vagina between the 1st and 5th day of menstruation and is left there for the next 3 weeks. At the end of the 21 days of use the ring is removed with a finger and rests for 7 days for menstruation to occur. At the end of the break a new ring is introduced on day 8. This means that every 28 days a ring is inserted, every 28 days a ring is removed and every 28 days menstruation will occur. The patient places/removes the device without medical assistance.

When is contraception effective?

From the 7th day of use, ovulation is considered to be inhibited and you may have intercourse without the use of another contraceptive method. During the first 7 days of use, abstinence or the use of condoms is suggested.

What is the effectiveness of the vaginal ring?

The reported effectiveness is 99% if used according to instructions precisely. If the user weighs more than 90 kilograms the effectiveness can be reduced

How do you keep the ring in place, will sex displace it?

The ring is held in place by the pressure of the vaginal walls. Despite appearing to the contrary the device was tested in multiple conditions of sexuality, physical activity and sports without expulsion of the same in most cases and situations. The reported rate of expulsion is 2.2% and was returned to its site in most cases immediately. In most cases the male partner did not notice the presence of the device and in no case reported complaints that did. It can be removed to have relationships and reinsert once culminated, provided it is not stopped for more than 3 hours

What happens if  my ring gets out?

You can reinsert it immediately after cleaning it with fresh (not hot) water.

If you spend more than 3 hours out of the vagina you should take care of the rest of the cycle with a barrier method like the condom

In case you lose it, put another device.

Why do some women bleed earlier than expected?

During the first few months of use the body must get used to the new dose of hormone, which is why about 10% of women spot during the first 3 months of use. Occasionally menstrual spotting may occur during use beyond the first 3 months but is infrequent and not durable. If proper cycle control is not achieved, the method is changed

What medications can decrease the effectiveness of the vaginal ring?

Very few drugs decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Notifies the use of medications to your gynecologist to determine interactions, especially anticonvulsants, anticoagulants and antibiotics

Alcohol does not affect the metabolism of oral contraceptives, therefore the effect is not lost. Cigarette, on the contrary, increases the risk of thrombosis in users of hormonal contraceptives, especially those over 35

Vaginal contraception and weight gain?

Apparently the Intravaginal Ring has a neutral effect on the user’s weight, as long as it maintains a stable caloric intake.

Hormonal contraceptives as medicines

• Menstrual regulation in cases of ovulation disorders and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
• Treatment of severe or disabling menstrual pain and Premenstrual Syndrome.
• Medical treatment of Ovary Functional Cysts (avoid surgeries).
• Treatment of premenopausal states.

Benefits of the vaginal ring

• Effective contraception with very few adverse effects.
• Very comfortable and low dose involuntary method equivalent to the less estrogenic dose pills (15 mcg of ethinylestradiol).
• There is no hormonal passage through the liver in a way that does not stimulate, among others, the synthesis of coagulation factors nor competes with the metabolism of many other substances.
• Prevention of osteoporosis.
• Decreased risk of ovarian cancer (12-50%) and endometrial cancer
• Effective treatment of Premenstrual Syndrome, menstrual pain, abundant genital bleeding (hypermenorrhea) and ovarian cysts.
• It does not affect the normal vaginal flora in the long term nor does it affect the Pap result or cytology.
• Local treatments for vaginal infection (vaginal creams or suppositories) do not affect contraception and the device does not affect vaginal treatments.
• If for some reason the patient does not want to see the menstrual period can leave the device 4 weeks and change it for a new one on the same day of the change without any rest.