NuvaRing contraceptive ring
A new goal on the contraceptive front has been reached with the marketing of the slow-release hormonal contraceptive ring (also called the vaginal ring): an innovative and safe method for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies.
The only contraceptive ring sold in Italian pharmacies is the NuvaRing, admitted for the first time in our territory on 12 June 2001: it is estimated that around 1.5 million women choose the ring as an excellent contraceptive method.
Structure
The ring has a diameter of 5.4 cm and a thickness of 0.4 cm.
Contraceptive ring and contraceptive spiral
The vaginal ring, as announced by the term itself, should be inserted into the vagina: unlike the contraceptive spiral, the ring is inserted and removed by the woman, not by the doctor, after the gynecologist has carefully instructed the patient on the correct modality of use. Again, while the spiral is inserted by the doctor deep into the uterus and left there for some years, the contraceptive ring is placed in the vagina by the woman and left here for three weeks, to then be removed the fourth week (which, as is will deepen in the following paragraphs, corresponds with menstruation). It is good to point out that the mechanism of action of the contraceptive ring has nothing to do with the copper contraceptive spiral: the two contraceptive methods have been reported only to clarify any doubts for those who did not know them. Not surprisingly, in fact, many people consider (wrongly) ring and spiral as equivalent contraceptive methods.
Vaginal ring and pill
Unlike the spiral, the ring and the contraceptive pill act with the same mechanism of action: they block ovulation thanks to hormonal release. What distinguishes the two contraceptive methods is clear: the pill must be taken orally about every day at the same time, while the ring is applied in the vagina, not interfering with the gastro-intestinal tract. In fact, if the woman who takes the pill has vomiting or diarrhea attacks in the first two hours after taking the last pill, the contraceptive efficacy could be compromised due to a possible malabsorption; this cannot happen in women who use the vaginal contraceptive ring, as the gastrointestinal passage is avoided.
Hormonal dosage and mechanism of action
The ring is a combined contraceptive method that puts effectiveness on the slow release of hormones: the hormonal composition consists of a progestin and estrogenic mix (respectively, 11.7 mg of etonogestrel and 2.7 mg of ethinyl estradiol) which, released in the blood, prevents ovulation ensuring an efficacy comparable to that of birth control pills (when the release of the egg cells is denied, it is impossible for the woman to become pregnant).
Furthermore, the vaginal ring, releasing the hormones in the bloodstream, alters the composition of the cervical mucus, unsuitable for the spermatozoa to rise.
Many women prefer the contraceptive ring for its particularly low hormone dosage (the ring releases, daily, 0.015 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.12 mg of etonogestrel), which ensures an extraordinary contraceptive effect, with few side effects.
Mode of use
- When to apply the ring
The insertion of the ring in the vagina is a rather simple practice: the user, following the correct use rules dictated by the gynecologist, introduces and removes the vaginal device independently.
The contraceptive ring must remain in the vagina for three weeks (without ever being removed), followed by a week of interval (without ring) during which the "fictitious" menstruation will appear.
It should be pointed out that to guarantee maximum contraceptive efficacy, the ring must be inserted and removed on the same day and at the same time: in other words, if the ring were inserted the first time on Thursday at 11.00 pm ( first day of menstruation), this will have to be removed after three weeks (during which the continuous release of hormones will take place), followed by 7 days off (period of the next menstruation). On the Thursday of the following week, about always at the same time, a new contraceptive ring must be inserted.
Clearly, we have given an example, to show how the contraceptive device must be used: based on the day when menstruation occurs for the first time, the woman must insert the ring and she can choose the time for her more appropriate. The important thing is that the insertion and removal of the ring take place approximately always at the same time, and on the same day of start.
- How to apply the ring
For the insertion of the ring, the user will have to try to find the most comfortable position: the ring, being flexible, compresses between thumb and forefinger and inserts itself into the vagina trying to push the ring gently upwards . Many women worry about the correct position of the ring once it is injected: in fact, the precise and exact position does not exist, since the elasticity of the device allows the ring to adhere perfectly to the vaginal walls, guaranteeing the contraceptive effectiveness.
However, generally, the ring is placed near the cervix and is "blocked" by the walls that prevent spontaneous expulsion, (a rather rare event, although possible in the first months of use).
It is good to point out that the positioning of the ring, lower or higher, does not in any way affect the contraceptive efficacy, as the slow hormonal release is constantly guaranteed.
Perception of the ring during intercourse
The ring is specifically designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies, so it should be left inside the vagina even during sexual intercourse. It is unlikely that the partner perceives the presence of the ring during the sexual act; moreover, the presence of the ring is imperceptible also for the woman.Contraceptive Ring: Advantages and Disadvantages ยป
