- 1. Can I get pregnant using the ring?
- 2. Can I have unprotected intimate contact?
- 3. When should I remove the ring?
- 4. What should I do if the ring comes off?
- 5. Who can't take the pill, can they use the ring?
- 6. Can I use the ring with the pill?
- 7. Does using the vaginal ring make you fat?
- 8. Can the ring cause bleeding outside the period?
- 9. Is the vaginal ring offered by SUS?
The vaginal ring is a contraceptive method that prevents ovulation through the effect of the hormones it contains inside. Thus, the woman has no hormonal stimulus for the peak of the hormone to favor ovulation and, therefore, even if the man ejaculates inside the vagina, the sperm does not have an egg to fertilize and generate a pregnancy.
This method consists of a ring of a flexible material that must be used for 3 weeks in a row and that, when it is correctly placed inside the vagina, adapts to the body contour, without causing any type of discomfort. See how to insert the vaginal ring.
1. Can I get pregnant using the ring?
The vaginal ring is a very reliable contraceptive method that prevents ovulation and, therefore, when used correctly, it presents chances of pregnancy below 1%. In this way, it is almost as good as the condom.
However, if the ring is out of the vagina for more than 3 hours or if it is not replaced in the right way, it is possible that the woman may ovulate. That way, if you have unprotected sex in the 7 days before or after there is the possibility of becoming pregnant.
2. Can I have unprotected intimate contact?
The protective effect against a possible pregnancy begins after 7 days of continuous use of the vaginal ring and, therefore, women who do not intend to become pregnant should only have unprotected sex after this period.
However, if the woman does not have only one sexual partner, it is always recommended to also use the condom, since the ring does not protect against possible sexually transmitted diseases.
3. When should I remove the ring?
The ring should be worn for 3 weeks and removed on the first day of the 4th week, in order to take a break for 1 week, to allow menstruation to fall. The new ring should only be placed after the last day of the 4th week, and up to 3 hours after the time it was originally placed.
4. What should I do if the ring comes off?
What to do when the ring leaves the vagina varies according to the time you were out of the vagina and the week the ring was used. Thus, the general guidelines are:
Less than 3 hours
When the woman is sure that the ring has been out of the vagina for less than 3 hours, she can wash it and put it back in the correct place, regardless of the week of use. In these cases, it is not necessary to use any other method of contraception.
More than 3 hours
- In the 1st to 2nd week: in these cases the ring can be replaced in the correct place after being washed, however, the woman must use another contraceptive method, such as the condom, for 7 days, to avoid pregnancy. If the ring comes off during the first week and an unprotected relationship has occurred in the previous 7 days, there is an increased risk that the woman may be pregnant. In the 3rd week: the woman can choose to put on a new ring without taking a break, using it again for 3 weeks in a row, or take the 1 week break that should be done during the 4th week. This last option should only be chosen if there has been no unprotected relationship in the previous 7 days.
However, in case of doubt about the exit of the ring, it is important to consult the gynecologist to know what is most advisable for each case.
5. Who can't take the pill, can they use the ring?
Women who cannot take the pill due to the presence of hormones should not use the ring, as it also contains the same type of hormones as the pill.
However, if the problem is the appearance of intense side effects with the use of contraceptives, the ring may be a solution, as it has a different type of progesterone than most pills, reducing the risk of side effects such as swelling, increased weight, headache or swelling of the breasts.
6. Can I use the ring with the pill?
Like the birth control pill, the vaginal ring uses hormones to prevent ovulation and prevent unwanted pregnancies. Therefore, a woman who wears the ring should also not take the pill, as she will be increasing the concentration of hormones in the body, which can lead to more side effects.
7. Does using the vaginal ring make you fat?
Like any other hormone medicine, the ring can cause changes that lead to increased appetite and fluid retention throughout the body, favoring weight gain. The risk of these types of effects, usually, is lower in the ring, and can be used as a substitute in a woman who has gained weight with the pill, but who needs to continue using hormones.
8. Can the ring cause bleeding outside the period?
Due to the use of hormones, the ring has the risk of causing bleeding outside the menstrual period, however, it is an alteration that does not cause any risk to the woman's health.
However, if bleeding is becoming more frequent or more abundant, it is recommended to inform the gynecologist to assess the need to switch to contraception.
9. Is the vaginal ring offered by SUS?
The contraceptive ring is not one of the contraceptive methods offered by SUS and, therefore, it must be purchased in conventional pharmacies with a price that can vary between 40 and 70 reais.
The methods offered by SUS are the male condom, some types of contraceptive pill and the copper IUD.
