Vaginal ring

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Vaginal ring

The vaginal ring (NuvaRing) is a flexible, transparent plastic device that slowly releases the hormones estrogen and progestin. This device, which measures 2 inches in diameter, is inserted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy. Each ring provides pregnancy protection for one month.

Effectiveness rate. The effectiveness of the vaginal ring is similar to that of other hormonal contraceptives. The effectiveness rate among typical vaginal ring users is 92 percent, meaning that eight out of 100 women using it for one year will get pregnant.

Side effects and health risks. Side effects of the vaginal ring may include vaginal infections and irritation, irregular vaginal bleeding, headaches, breast tenderness, weight gain or loss, nausea, vomiting, bloating, decreased sex drive, and depression. Women who use the vaginal ring may be at a slightly increased risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots. If any of these characteristics describes you, don't use the vaginal ring:

• Age 35 or older and smoke
• A history of cardiovascular disease
• A history of breast, uterine or liver cancer
• A history of blood clots in the legs or lungs

The vaginal ring doesn't protect against STDs.

How to use the vaginal ring. If you decide on the vaginal ring, you insert the ring in your vagina and leave it in place for three weeks. Here are some additional tips for ring use:

• You may insert the vaginal ring anywhere in your vagina, but placing it deeply makes you less likely to feel it once inserted.
• An additional method of birth control must be used during the first week of use.
• If the ring falls out, it should be rinsed with warm water and reinserted within three hours.
• If the ring is out of the vagina for more than three hours during the first three weeks of the cycle, pregnancy prevention is compromised, and you must use a backup method of birth control for one week.

The fourth week should be ring-free, which allows you to have your menstrual period.

Cost and availability. Each monthly vaginal ring costs $35 to $50. The initial examination costs $35 to $175.