What are the vaginal rings? Application and Feedback

There are many methods of contraception, characterized by varying degrees of reliability. One way to prevent unwanted conception is the vaginal rings.

This is a modern, easy-to-use, affordable, and most importantly, highly effective method.

What is a vaginal ring?

As the name suggests, this device for contraception is made in the form of a ring with a diameter of no more than 5.5 cm from elastic hypoallergenic materials. It easily bends, takes a good shape and is able to preserve it for a long time.

The contraceptive vaginal ring contains progesterone and estrogen preparations in microdoses. A complex system of membranes promotes a slow, within 21 days, the release of these hormones, affecting the menstrual cycle (about the healing effect see below) and preventing the onset of pregnancy.

Mechanism of action

Research and practical application have proved that the vaginal rings are a reliable method of contraception. Its effectiveness is even greater than that of COCs (combined oral contraceptives: Yarina, Marvelon, etc.).

The vaginal ring (NovaRing, for example) contains ethinylestradiol and etonogestrel, the gradual release of which helps suppress ovulation, increase the density of mucus produced in the vagina and cervix, which prevents the advancement of spermatozoa.

The vaginal ring also has a curative effect, since it normalizes the hormonal background, thereby correcting such irregularities in the menstrual cycle as irregularity and soreness.

Indications for use of the vaginal ring

Actually, appointed vaginal rings With one goal: preventing unwanted pregnancies. Although, as mentioned above, they have a curative effect, but they are not used to correct the menstrual cycle. This is due to the fact that the action of the ring is mainly local (directly in the vagina), and for the effective treatment of cycle disorders, the systemic action of hormones is required. Thus, the therapeutic effect of using the vaginal ring is a side effect, albeit useful.

Are there any contraindications?

Vaginal rings, like any medicine, are not suitable for everyone. They can not be used under the following conditions:

1. Hypersensitivity to components contained in the ring (allergies).
2. Thrombosis (both venous and arterial). All preparations of sex hormones sin this drawback: increased blood viscosity, increased risk of blood clots. In the vaginal ring due to its predominantly local effect this effect is not significant.
3. Hormonal disorders: obesity (metabolic syndrome).
4. Diabetes mellitus (because the latter is accompanied by a violation of microcirculation, and the drugs that make up the vaginal ring, promote thrombosis, which further worsens blood supply).
5. Diseases of the digestive system: pancreatitis, hepatitis.
6. Neoplasms (both malignant and benign), especially hormone-dependent tumors.
7. Pregnancy and lactation.
8. Uterine bleeding of unknown origin.

The use of the vaginal ring should be treated with caution when lowering the pelvic organs.

Important! When the uterus falls, 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:

1. Thrombophlebitis (see clause about thrombosis).
2. Anemia.
3. Jaundice.
4. Cholelithiasis.
5. Pathology of the valvular apparatus of the heart.

Side effects

As already mentioned above, the vaginal ring has a predominantly local effect, therefore, unlike the same COCs, undesirable effects are not so pronounced.

1. Effects associated with the effect of hormonal drugs in the ring: engorgement of the mammary glands, acyclic bleeding, dryness of the vaginal mucosa, "hot flashes", etc.
2. Allergy.
3. Infections of the genitals and cystitis (usually this is due to a violation of sterility when inserting the ring into the vagina).
4. Headache.
5. Constipation, vomiting.
6. Depression.

How to use the vaginal ring correctly?

Insert the ring into the vagina should be followed by the onset of another menstruation (on the first day of bleeding). A woman can do it herself from a position convenient for her. The ring is compressed by fingers and inserted as deep as possible into the vagina. The main rule: do not forget to wash your hands!

The vaginal ring is set for 21 days, after that it should be removed, and after a 7-day break enter a new one.

If the ring accidentally fell before the deadline, it can be used again, after having washed it with warm boiled water.

What do women say?

Those who have already used this method of contraception, like a vaginal ring, leave the reviews mostly positive.

Of the merits note the insignificance of side effects (due to purely local effects), the need to introduce a new ring only once a month, the therapeutic effect (for example, reducing the painful menstruation), effective contraception, the absence of violations of the vaginal microflora and related unpleasant consequences like candidiasis (thrush) , Rapid recovery of ovulation after discontinuation of use.

Among the shortcomings: the unusual use (not every woman can enter the ring herself, some have to seek help from a gynecologist), a wide range of contraindications, the need for additional barrier methods (the ring does not protect against sexually transmitted infections).

Ring for treatment of uterine prolapse

Vaginal rings, with the loss of the uterus appointed by a doctor, should not be confused with contraceptive. They are made of other materials (not so soft and elastic) and perform a completely different function.

The causes of the appearance and prolapse of the uterus are diverse: frequent and complicated births, congenital anomalies of the genital organs and their ligamentous apparatus, increased intra-abdominal pressure (hernia, obesity, etc.).

The most common symptoms are: pain in the lower abdomen, sensation of a foreign body in the vagina, soreness of the sexual intercourse, impairment of the functions of the rectum and bladder.

The main method of treatment (which is the most effective) is surgical.

However, if for some reason the operation is impossible, conservative methods are used, including the uterine rings.

The vaginal ring when lowered (pessary) is a special device that fixes the cervix and keeps it in the correct position.

To wear a ring is necessary for a long time, and from here such undesirable effects as decubituses and infections of genitals. However, even long-term use of pessary does not guarantee success, a truly effective method is only an operation.

PS Vaginal rings are a remedy, so before using always consult with a specialist.