With the advancement of medicine and the ongoing effort to make women’s lives easier and reduce the discomforts caused by contraceptive methods, new options are constantly being created. Some are not very well known and raise many questions regarding their use, how they work, and their effects on the body, such as the vaginal ring.
That’s why we’re here to clarify more about this innovative and little-known method in the women’s health world. The vaginal ring deserves to be highlighted and known, so that it becomes another option for women to choose from. Who knows—it might be 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—completely flexible and with a smooth surface—that is non-absorbent, simple in appearance, but highly functional. Made of ethylene-vinyl acetate, it may look like a simple elastic band, but when placed inside the vaginal area, it activates its function by releasing small doses of estrogen and progestin hormones into the body, just like other hormonal contraceptives.
Its other function, besides preventing the release of eggs, is to alter cervical mucus, making it thicker, which makes it harder for sperm to reach and survive in the female reproductive system. The difference compared to most other hormonal contraceptives is that a single unit should be placed in the vaginal area and removed after 3 weeks, allowing for the menstrual break.
How to Use the Vaginal Ring?
The vaginal ring should be inserted in the same way as a tampon, so that it stays in contact with the vaginal wall. It may seem a bit confusing at first due to its ring shape, but it is actually very easy to handle and to insert into the vaginal cavity.
Before inserting, wash your hands with soap and water, then take the vaginal ring and squeeze it with your index finger and thumb, forming a figure 8 shape. You can try different positions to see which one is most comfortable for you! Most women find it easier to insert while standing, with one leg bent or raised. In this way, insert it into the vagina, pushing upwards until you feel it touch the vaginal wall.
That’s it—your vaginal ring is now inserted! It should not cause discomfort, and if you feel any discomfort, it is not positioned correctly. You can reposition it by pushing it further with your finger until it feels completely comfortable. There is no exact position where the ring must be placed inside the vagina for it to work, as its contact with the vaginal walls is enough.
The vaginal ring should remain in the vaginal area without being removed for 3 weeks. It is not necessary to remove it for any activity, not even for sexual intercourse, since it will be at the back of the vagina and your partner will likely not even notice it.
After 3 weeks, the vaginal ring should be removed for the menstrual break week, during which your menstrual flow should occur as normal. At the end of this week, a new vaginal ring should be inserted. Remember, the vaginal ring should be inserted on the correct day of your cycle, so before starting to use it, talk to your gynecologist for further instructions.
To remove the ring, choose the most comfortable position; squatting may make it easier. With the tip of your index finger, you will be able to feel the ring and pinch it to pull it out of the vagina, or with the help of your index and middle fingers, feel it and pull it out. After removal, the vaginal ring should be disposed of in the regular trash—never flush it down the toilet.
What Is the Right Day to Insert the Vaginal Ring?
For the vaginal ring to be effective, it should be inserted on the ideal day of your cycle—that is, the first day of your menstrual cycle. Once inserted on the first day of menstruation, the vaginal ring becomes effective immediately, so there is no need to use other hormonal contraceptive methods. However, it is recommended to use additional contraceptive methods, such as condoms during the first 7 days of use, as a precaution.
If you are using another hormonal contraceptive method, such as the pill or patch, wait for the proper period before switching methods. Do not use the vaginal ring together with other hormonal methods. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about the possibility of using other methods temporarily until you are cleared to use the vaginal ring.
What If the Vaginal Ring Comes Out Accidentally?
If not inserted properly, or even during more intense sexual activity, the vaginal ring may come out accidentally. If the vaginal ring remains outside the vaginal cavity for up to 3 hours, simply rinse it with cold or lukewarm water (do not use hot water) and reinsert it.
If the vaginal ring remains out for more than 3 hours, you can rinse and reinsert it, but its contraceptive effect may be compromised. Therefore, we recommend using other contraceptive methods, such as male condoms, for the next 7 days.
If the ring slips out during the third week of use, its effectiveness may be affected, even if it was out for less than 3 hours. This is because, in the third week, the vaginal ring already has reduced effectiveness due to the last days of the cycle.
In this case, discard the vaginal ring and use other methods for protection until the next insertion date, or insert a new vaginal ring and restart the 3-week count. In this latter option, since there will be no menstrual interval week, breakthrough bleeding may occur during the next 3 weeks.
I’m Using the Vaginal Ring and My Period Is Late
The vaginal ring should be used for 3 weeks at a time, always respecting a one-week menstrual break. If menstruation does not occur during this period, we recommend taking a pregnancy test to confirm before inserting a new vaginal ring.
Photo: Sakky
