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With the evolution of medicine and the concern to make life easier for women and also to reduce the discomfort caused by contraceptive methods , new options are being created every day. Some little known and that bring many doubts in relation to the way of using it, how it works and its effects on the body , as is the case of the vaginal ring.
Therefore, we will clarify more about this innovative method and little known in the female world. The vaginal ring deserves to be highlighted and to be known, so that it is one of the options to be chosen by women. Who knows, maybe the contraceptive method you needed and didn’t even know existed?
What is the Vaginal Ring?
The vaginal ring looks more like a transparent elastic bracelet, totally flexible and with a smooth surface , which is not absorbent, simple in appearance, but very functional. Produced in polyethylene vinyl acetate, it may seem like a simple elastic because of its appearance, but when placed in the vaginal area it has its function activated, that of releasing small hormonal doses of estrogen and progesterone in the body, just like the other hormonal contraceptives.
Its other function, in addition to preventing the release of eggs is to change the cervical mucus , making it thicker, making it harder for sperm to reach and survive in the female reproductive system. Its difference compared to most other hormonal contraceptives is that a single unit must be placed in the area of the vagina and removed after 3 weeks, giving the menstrual interval.
How to Use the Vaginal Ring?
The vaginal ring must be placed equally with a tampon , so that it is in contact with the vaginal wall. It may seem a little confusing at first, due to its ring shape, but it really is very easy to handle and to insert it into the vaginal cavity.
Before putting it on, wash your hands with soap and water, then take the vaginal ring and tighten it with the help of your index finger and thumb, forming a number 8 on the ring. You can try in various positions and see which one is most comfortable! Most women find it easier to introduce standing, with one leg crouched or raised. In this way, insert it into the vagina by pushing it upwards until you feel that it touched the vaginal wall.
There, your vaginal ring is already inserted! It should not bother you, and if you feel any discomfort it is misplaced and you can reposition it by pushing with your finger until it is completely comfortable. There is no right position for the ring to stay inside the vagina and have its function activated, since its contact with the vaginal walls is enough.
The vaginal ring must remain in the vaginal area without being removed for 3 weeks. It is not necessary to remove it for any activity, not even sexual intercourse, as it will be at the bottom of the vagina and not even your partner will notice his presence.
After 3 weeks, the vaginal ring should be removed for the menstrual week break, where your menstrual flow should come normally. At the end of this week, a new vaginal ring should be placed. Remembering that the vaginal ring must be placed on the correct day of your cycle, so before starting to use, talk to your gynecologist for further instructions.
To remove, see the most comfortable position, but it can make it easier to do squatting (squatting), with the tip of your index finger you will be able to feel the presence of the ring and pull it like forceps out of the vagina or with the help of index and middle finger feel it and pull it out by dragging. After being removed, the vaginal ring must be disposed of in normal garbage, never being discarded in a toilet.
What is the Right Day to Put the Vaginal Ring?
The vaginal ring to have its proper effect, must be placed on the ideal day of the cycle, that is, on the first day of the menstrual cycle . Once placed, on the first menstrual day, the vaginal ring starts to take effect, so it is not necessary to use other hormonal contraceptive methods. However, it is recommended that auxiliary contraceptive methods, such as condoms , be used in the first 7 days of use , as a precaution.
If you use another hormonal contraceptive method, either a pill or a patch, wait for the right period of completion to change the method. Do not use the vaginal ring in conjunction with other hormonal methods. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about the possibility of using other methods temporarily, until you are released to use the vaginal ring.
What if the Vaginal Ring Accidentally Exits?
In case of poor placement, or even in more intense sexual intercourse, the vaginal ring may come off accidentally. In this case, if the vaginal ring remains outside the vaginal cavity for up to 3 hours, just wash it with cold or warm water (it cannot be washed with hot water) and insert it again.
If the vaginal ring remains for more than 3 hours, you can wash it and put it back on, but its contraceptive effect can be stopped, so we recommend that you use other barrier contraceptive methods such as the male condom in the next 7 days .
If the vaginal ring escapes in the third week of use of the contraceptive method, its effect may be affected, even if it is left for less than 3 hours outside the vagina. This is because, in the third week, the vaginal ring has its effect reduced due to the last days of use for the cycle.
In this case, discard the vaginal ring and use other methods to avoid until the date of re-placement, or put on a new vaginal ring and start the new 3-week count. In this last option, as you will not have the week of menstrual interval, bleeding may occur during the next 3 weeks.
I’m Wearing a Vaginal Ring and My Period Is Delayed
The use of the vaginal ring should be for 3 weeks, always respecting the pause of one menstrual week. If menstruation does not occur during this period, we recommend that a pregnancy test be performed for confirmation, before placing the new vaginal ring.
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
