Birth Control Ring

The birth control ring is yet anther contraceptive device that works much the same way as the pill but you are saved the bother of remembering to take it everyday. This birth control ring is inserted into the vagina and removed after 3 weeks. It releases hormones through the blood vessels in the vagina over the course of these 3 weeks thereby preventing pregnancy. Read more on this contraceptive measure and its features.

With so many birth control options out there, choosing an effective birth control method could be confusing. Can a combination pill affect your chances of having children in the future or could a female condom more effective ?

The one primary concern while choosing a contraceptive is effectiveness. The vaginal ring is perhaps the most effective conceptive as it works best when a woman inserts it and it in place for a couple of weeks, and then inserts a fresh ring. The ring also maintains a balanced level of hormone in your body. Statistics reveal that 1 out of 100 women get pregnant each year if they always use the ring for birth control. And about 9 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they do not always use the ring as directed.

How Birth Control Ring works

The birth control ring or vaginal ring is a thin and flexible ring that provides contraception protection by stopping ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus. This acts as a barrier to fertilization. The birth control ring releases low levels of progesterone and estrogen, which are activated by moisture and body heat. This works in much the same way as combination birth control pills. Ovulation is inhibited and cervical mucus is made inhospitable for sperm mobility. With a success rate of nearly 98 - 99%, this form of contraception is not a protection against infections of the reproductive tract.

The birth control ring has the convenience of not having to take a pill every day and yet a highly acceptable method of contraception. Felt by many as being more efficient than a pill, the ring is the answer, a highly acceptable method of contraception with better efficacy but lower systemic estrogen exposure. But you have to set up a reminder to remove and insert again. It will be the only way you remember you have it!

Inserting Birth Control Rings

A birth control ring usually cost around $30 and $35 a month. It is generally prescribed by a doctor or health provider after checking her blood pressure and pelvic examination. Since this is not a barrier method of contraception, its exact position is not critical but it must be placed correctly so as to prevent discomfort. Once inserted, it can be left in place for 3 weeks. It is held in place by the vaginal muscles so it is unlikely to fall out. In case it does, the birth control ring must be rinsed in cool water and inserted again within 3 hours.

Birth control Ring - Pros and Cons

Since it is discreet and simple to use, many women are taking to the birth control Ring. It may result in lighter and shorter periods and reduced PMS. Initially, women may experience symptoms such as headache, nausea, mood changes and breast tenderness. Some women are known to experience bouts of depression and breast tenderness or vaginal infections. In cases where severe abdominal pains or chest pain is experienced, a doctor must be consulted immediately. Symptoms such as severe leg pain or blurred vision must also not be ignored.

The effectiveness of this birth control method is reduced when the woman is on certain medications for tuberculosis or migraine. This contraceptive measure is not recommended for women, who suffer from blood clots, high blood pressure, prolapsed uterus and uncontrolled diabetes. Breast-feeding mothers should use some other form of contraception since the hormones may affect the breast milk. For a more regulated and lighter cycle, the birth control ring should be ideal. The ring also reduces PMS and dysmenorrheal complaints including pain. In general it is felt women across the world that there is a global improvement of sexual function when the ring is used as contraception.

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