The Ring
The ring is a hormonal method!
It is a small, bendable ring that you insert into your vagina. You leave it in place for three weeks at a time, then take it out for the fourth week. The ring works by giving off hormones that prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs.
THE RING IS REALLY PRETTY EASY TO USE.
All you need to remember is the schedule for inserting and removing it.
HOW TO PUT IT IN
First , wash your hands. To put in the ring, just squish it between your thumb and index finger, and insert it into your vagina like a tampon. It’ll sit tucked up against the side of your vaginal wall. When properly inserted, you should not be able to feel the ring. The exact position doesn’t really matter, as long as you’re comfortable. You don’t even need to take it out when you’re having sex. (But if you want to take it out during sex, that’s cool, too. Just make sure to put it back in within three hours, and do this only once out of every 24 hours.)
HOW TO TAKE IT OUT
Once you insert the ring, leave it in for three weeks. Take it out for the fourth week, then insert a new ring and start the cycle again. (To take the ring out, wash your hands and insert a finger into the vagina. Hook your finger on the lower edge and pull. Simple as that.)
When the ring is out, you’ll probably get your period. If you’re still bleeding when it’s time to put the ring back in, don’t worry. That’s totally normal. Go ahead and put the new ring in anyway
Talk to your health care provider to learn more and remember, any birth control decision such as the implant should be a fully informed decision free of coercion.
THERE ARE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE THINGS TO SAY
about each and every method. And everyone’s different—so what you experience may not be the same as what your friend experiences.
THE POSITIVE
Positive “side effects”? You bet. There are actually lots of things about birth control that are good for your body as well as your sex life.
Easy to use—it’s just like putting in a tampon
Doesn’t interrupt the heat of the moment
Might give you shorter, lighter periods
May clear up acne
Can reduce menstrual cramps and PMS
May offer protection against some health problems, like endometrial and ovarian cancer, iron deficiency anemia, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease
THE NEGATIVE
Everyone worries about negative side effects, but for most people, they’re not a problem. Remember, you’re introducing hormones into your body, so it can take a few months to adjust. Give it time but if are still feeling uncomfortable or are concerned speak with your healthcare provider.
Things that will probably go away after two or three months:
Bleeding in between periods
Breast tenderness
Nausea and vomiting
Things that may last longer:
Increased vaginal discharge, irritation, or infection
A change in your sex drive
If you still feel uncomfortable after three months, switch methods and stay protected. You’re worth it.
*For a very small number of women there are risks of serious side effects.
COMFORTABLE WITH YOUR BODY
If you’re not okay with putting your fingers inside yourself, the ring probably isn’t for you. It’s similar to putting in a tampon. If you can do that, this may be an option for you.
RELATIVELY LITTLE EFFORT EACH MONTH
If you’re the kind of person who would have trouble remembering to take a pill every day, the ring might be a good option. You only need to remember to do something twice a month.
STORAGE AND PRIVACY
If you’re storing the ring for more than 4 months, it needs to be stored in the refrigerator. So if you don’t want your boyfriend (or anyone else) to know you’re using it, this could be a problem. The rings you’re waiting to use in the future should be kept in the fridge. Also, some guys say they can feel the ring when you’re having sex.
A LOWER DOSE OF HORMONES
The ring uses a lower dose of hormones than other methods, so there’s less chance of negative side effects.
SMOKERS OVER 35, BEWARE
For those over 35 years old, smoking while using the ring increases the risk of certain side effects. If you’re younger, why not quit smoking now and save yourself the trouble in the future?
THE PREGNANCY QUESTION
You’ll return to fertility (that’s just another way of saying you’ll go back to being able to get pregnant) quickly after going off the ring. So don’t take any chances. If you’re not ready for a baby, protect yourself.