In women, the vaginal ring is a method of contraception that is inserted into the vagina and releases hormones. It would be much less effective than the pill, the patch and the contraceptive implant.
The vaginal ring or contraceptive ring is a hormonal contraceptive that is placed in the vagina. It releases estrogen and progesterone, like the combined pill. He must be changed every 3 weeks. Which is efficiency of the contraceptive ring? What are the side effects and contraindications ? What is the price of the contraceptive ring? Is it reimbursed? We take stock with our expert.
Definition: what is the contraceptive ring?
“The ring is a 5cm plastic circlealmost transparent, that we inserts into vagina and that releases hormones (estrogens and progestins) as in a combined pill” immediately indicates Professor Xavier Deffieux, obstetrician gynecologist. These hormones are absorbed through the vaginal wall. In contact with the humidity and heat of the vagina, the ring becomes porous and releases gradually hormones into the blood.
You insert the ring yourself deep in the vagina, like inserting a tampon. “Most women insert it themselves directly by pinching it and inserting it into the vagina, without an applicator.” notes Dr. Deffieux. The contraceptive ring is kept for three weeks. “At the start of the fourth week, the ring is removed and a few days later, the “period” appears“, continues the gynecologist. On the 8th day after removing the ring, a new ring is placed. You can keep the ring on during sex.
How effective is the contraceptive ring?
“The hormonal contraceptive ring is much less effective than all other hormonal contraceptives (pill, patch, subcutaneous implants) and non-hormonal (IUD or copper or hormonal intrauterine devices)” underlines Professor Deffieux. But the contraceptive ring is more effective than withdrawal methods, abstinence period calculation methods (periodic abstinence), condoms, spermicides and the diaphragm. “The woman can remove it for a few tens of minutes but beyond 2 hours, it is considered to be no longer effective and you need another method of contraception until the next period (and the morning after pill if there was unprotected sex)” warns the expert.
What are the disadvantages of the contraceptive ring?
“It’s necessary regularly check that the ring is still in place (it can move spontaneously during sexual intercourse or sport for example)“recalls our interlocutor. If it is incorrectly inserted, that is to say if it is not “seated” at the bottom of the vagina, the vaginal ring may slip. The ring also requires being comfortable with his body, due to its mode of use.
What are the side effects of the contraceptive ring?
The potential side effects are similar to those of other estrogen-progestin contraceptives such as the pill i.e. spotting (small bleeding outside of periods), headaches, weight gain, etc. In isolated cases, women using a contraceptive ring may experience headaches, vaginitis, leucorrhoea or white discharge.
► “In humans, rare adverse reactions have been recorded such as hives, feeling of discomfort in the penis (irritation, rash, itching). Some men are embarrassed to feel the ring but that’s not the majority.” notes the gynecologist.
What are the contraindications of the contraceptive ring?
“The contraindications, risks and monitoring to be carried out are the same as for other estro-progestin hormonal contraception” underlines Professor Deffieux. This concerns in particular the history of hormone-dependent cancers (breast), significant vascular history and phlebitis. Smoking is also a contraindication to wearing the contraceptive ring.
How much does the contraceptive ring cost and is it reimbursed?
The ring is available in pharmacies, on prescription from a doctorn (general practitioner or gynecologist) or a midwife. It costs approximately 15 euros. In France, two contraceptive rings are marketed NUVARING® and ETORING®. They are not reimbursed by Health Insurance.
Thanks to Professor Xavier Deffieux, obstetrician-gynecologist.