Birth Control Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing)
How it works
The vaginal ring is a hormonal birth control method that prevents pregnancy in a way that is similar to the birth control pill. The hormones, estrogen and progestin, work together to prevent the release of an egg, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the lining of the uterus.
The birth control ring is prescribed by your health care provider and is inserted into the vagina by the user. For three weeks, a constant supply of hormones is being introduced to the body. After three weeks, the user removes the ring and a replacement will be inserted after one week. To increase effectiveness, it is suggested that users keep track of the day and time they replace their ring, maintaining consistency.
Insertion
To insert and remove the ring, practice makes perfect. The general guidelines are as follows:
- Twist and pinch the ring into a figure eight.
- Find a position that allows you to relax and have access to your vaginal opening.
- Insert the ring as a figure eight into the vagina, making sure the ring is placed as far back as it will go.
- To remove, simply use your finger to hook one side of the ring and pull. Don’t worry, the ring cannot get lost or dissolve into the vagina.
The Ring Can Be a Funny Thing
There are two aspects of the ring that can make for interesting conversation: its method of storage and the eventual “sexual ringtoss”.
For storage, some users will place the ring in their refrigerator before it is time to be inserted. The packaging is square and metallic with the shape of the contraception subtly outlined through the material. If kept in the fridge, do inform other individuals you live with of its presence and purpose. Opening the package can impact the ring’s effectiveness.
The “sexual ringtoss” is an event users may experience. Since the ring rests in the vagina, it has the potential to be displaced by a penis or sex toy. The displacement may even result in the ring surrounding the penis or sex toy and being removed unintentionally. Though some view this situation as humorous, some become worried the removal of the ring may impact its effectiveness. In the case of accidental removal, never fear. Simply wash the ring with warm water and re-insert within 3 hours.