The Vaginal Ring
What is the Vaginal Ring?
The Vaginal Ring is a thin, transparent, flexible ring that a woman inserts into her vagina. It slowly releases synthetic estrogen and progesterone hormones into a woman’s body which keeps a woman’s ovaries from releasing an egg. The hormones also thicken a woman’s cervical mucus which blocks sperm from moving to and reaching an egg. The Vaginal Ring is replaced once a month.
How effective is the Vaginal Ring?
The Vaginal Ring, like other hormonal birth control methods such as the pill or the patch, is more than 99% effective when used correctly and consistently.
Will the Vaginal Ring protect against STDs?
No, like all hormonal methods of contraception, the Vaginal Ring does not protect against STDs. To protect against STDs, you will need to use either a male and female condom along with the Vaginal Ring.
What about Convenience?
The Vaginal Ring has the advantage of being inserted only once a month, compared to taking a pill every day or using a barrier method that has to be used each time you have sex.
Where can I get the Vaginal Ring?
The Vaginal Ring is prescribed by a health care provider following a physical exam and a medical history; however, it does not require a “fitting” like a cervical cap or diaphragm. The vaginal ring can be purchased at a pharmacy or clinic with a prescription from your health care provider.
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Vaginal Ring - One Woman's Story
More Information about the Vaginal Ring