The vaginal ring is an instrument of hormonal contraception for vaginal use, contains a small amount of two female sex hormones, etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol released into the bloodstream, preventing ovulation. The quantities of hormones released are low for which the vaginal ring is considered a low-dose hormonal contraceptive, with efficacy comparable to that of the latest generation pills. Unlike the pill, the effectiveness of the ring remains unaltered in case of gastrointestinal disorders (vomiting and diarrhea) or in the case of concomitant use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. In addition, the risk of unwanted pregnancies due to the forgotten daily intake of the pill is drastically reduced.
The device consists of copolymer of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (non-toxic and hypoallergenic material), a type of plastic that does not dissolve in the body, has a diameter of 54 mm and a thickness of 4 mm, and is flexible, transparent and almost colorless. A ring provides contraceptive protection for one month by inhibiting ovulation. The ring can be easily inserted and removed by the woman herself. After application, the ring must remain inserted for 3 weeks, followed by a free interval. Here are the best tips for female urethral play.
The vaginal ring is counted among the contraceptive methods nicknamed “Fit and forget” worn and forgotten. The combined hormonal contraceptives have excellent contraceptive efficacy, but they have some drawbacks such as: double hepatic passage, reduced contraceptive safety in case of gastrointestinal disorders and the considerable fluctuation of serum hormonal levels due to daily oral administration. Moreover, for many women, the need to take the contraceptive pill every day causes reduced compliance and therefore an increased risk of unwanted pregnancies. For these reasons, two combined hormonal contraceptives have been studied that foresee the monthly administration vaginal ring or weekly contraceptive patch.
The strength of the vaginal ring is its ability to maintain constant serum hormone levels. This feature allows an excellent control of the cycle despite the lowest estrogen dose, per treatment cycle, compared to that of all the other combined contraceptives.
The systemic, estrogenic-related undesirable effects manifest themselves in an extremely low percentage of subjects and also the body weight does not change significantly during its use (+ 0.4 kg in 13 cycles). Local side effects, such as vaginitis, leucorrhea and ring-related problems also occur in a very low percentage of cases where the tolerability and acceptability of this contraceptive system are very high.
When used for the first time, the ring should be inserted into the vagina from the 1st to the 5th day of the menstrual cycle and must remain in place for three weeks, and then it must be removed. It will follow a week free from the ring in which the flow of deprivation will appear. Then you will have to reinsert a new ring for the next three weeks and so on. If you still don’t get it, read this article about a guide to urethral sounding.
The vaginal ring has the same contraceptive efficacy of the combined contraceptives, has an excellent tolerability and is easy to use. This contraceptive method is advisable for all those women who, in the absence of contraindications, desire a reversible and safe contraception, independent of coitus and not linked to daily administration.
In recent weeks, the function has not only emerged as a contraceptive of the ring but is also protective of HIV. This ring contains dapivirine, an antiviral drug that prevents viral replication in human cells. The results emerge from positive studies in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the infection is widespread and where it has been tested in two different researches on a sample of 4,500 women. This prevention tool has been the focus of two studies that take the name of Aspire, presented in Boston at the Croi- Conference on retrovirus and opportunistic infections. It is not 100% effective, but experts have experienced a reduction in infections between 27 and 31%, a result they consider important.
This device has a price of a few dollars, has a duration of 5 years from the first application and is very small, does not imply disturbance to the woman and the partner may not be aware of its presence. The research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, has shown that the use of the ring reduces the infection rate by about 30% and is more effective in older women. In the world more than 37 million people are affected by the HIV virus, more than half are women and the majority live in Sub-Saharan Africa. Before the study of the vaginal ring to prevent HIV infection, the other studies had not given significant results because most patients did not adhere to therapies based on antiviral pills or vaginal gels.
The vaginal ring is a hormonal contraceptive with the same mechanism as the pill but which involves the intake of hormones through the vaginal mucosa and not by mouth. It has the form of a very thin ring of transparent biocompatible material that contains within it a combination of two hormones that releases daily for 21 days. It is made of very flexible and soft material to allow it to be compressed before insertion and to adapt to the female anatomical characteristics. When used correctly, it provides effective contraceptive protection very similar to that of the classical pill.
Inserting the ring causes pain or discomfort?
Being very flexible, the ring can easily be inserted into the vagina without pain and without particular discomfort. However, a certain familiarity and knowledge of one’s body is necessary to insert it. You can easily purchase at online sex shops and it’s available at LustPlugs.
How does the vaginal ring work?
In contact with the humid heat of the vaginal environment, the ring releasable releases small fixed quantities of the two hormones, ethinylestradiol and etonorgestrel, which penetrate into the blood through the vessels of the vaginal walls and perform their contraceptive effect, just like the pills in tablets. After 21 days of insertion, the patient takes a week off, during which the pseudo-menstruations appear.
Can the ring be used at any age?
Its use is indicated in women of childbearing age, from 18 to 40 years.
Are there any more suitable positions for inserting the ring into the vagina?
Many women find it more comfortable to stand with a slightly raised leg, or lie on the bed or crouch. Every woman – even on the basis of confidence with her body can have a more comfortable position for the insertion of the ring.