Vaginal Ring - Cost And Effect

2023 Author: Wallace Forman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 11:04

The vaginal ring

The vaginal ring (vaginal ring, Nuvaring®) is a flexible plastic ring that releases the female sex hormones estrogen and progestin evenly into the blood. It works like the combination pill: the hormones are absorbed through the vagina and prevent monthly ovulation. The hormones change the monthly liquefaction of the mucus in the cervical canal. This prevents the sperm from entering the uterus…

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• Continue reading
• more on the subject
• How is the vaginal ring used correctly?
• How reliable is the vaginal ring?
• Advantages and disadvantages of the vaginal ring
• Whom can I ask?
• How are the costs going to be covered?

How is the vaginal ring used correctly?

The vaginal ring is flexible and is inserted into the vagina by the woman herself - as far as possible (similar to a tampon). It doesn't matter exactly where the ring is for safety. It is important that it is comfortable and not noticeable to the woman. When using for the first time, the vaginal ring should be inserted between the first and fifth day of menstruation. In the first cycle of use, additional contraceptive protection should be used for the first seven days (e.g. condoms).

The vaginal ring can be used while lying or standing. The ring will remain in the vagina for a period of three weeks. It is then removed by the woman herself, followed by a one-week break (seven days) during which bleeding occurs. A new ring will be inserted after a week - even if the bleeding has not stopped. The vaginal ring should always be used on the same day of the week.

Note If the vaginal ring accidentally slips out, it can be reinserted within three hours without affecting its effectiveness. To avoid infection, the ring should be washed off with cold or lukewarm (not hot!) Water. Soap or disinfectants must not be used, otherwise the ring will lose its effectiveness.

Vaginal ring © Austrian Society for Family Planning

Vaginal ring © Austrian Society for Family Planning

Vaginal ring © Austrian Society for Family Planning

How reliable is the vaginal ring?

According to the German Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), previous studies confirm that the vaginal ring is very safe. The Pearl Index is between 0.65 and 0.9.

Advantages and disadvantages of the vaginal ring

The vaginal ring (also called contraception ring) is an alternative to the birth control pill and is suitable for all women who do not want to think about contraception every day.

benefits

• The vaginal ring only needs to be used once a month.
• Diarrhea and vomiting do not affect the functioning of the vaginal ring.
• The vaginal ring is also easy to use when traveling long-distance.
• The hormones in the vaginal ring are dosed lower than in the pill or hormone implant.
• Good cycle control: by changing the vaginal ring, you know pretty well when your menstrual period starts.
• Weaker and shorter menstrual bleeding: The amount and duration of bleeding usually decrease when the vaginal ring is used.

disadvantage

• The vaginal ring does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
• Possible side effects of the vaginal ring are headache, vaginal inflammation, vaginal discharge, acne, nausea, breast tenderness.
• The vaginal ring allows more painful menstrual bleeding.
• The vaginal ring cannot be used while breastfeeding as the baby would absorb too much hormone through breast milk. The estrogen effect can also stop the flow of milk.

Whom can I ask?

The vaginal ring requires a prescription and is prescribed by a gynecologist when it is first prescribed. The vaginal ring is available from the pharmacy. You can find pharmacies in your area under Services: "Pharmacy search".

How are the costs going to be covered?

The costs for the vaginal ring are not covered by social security. The vaginal ring costs around 19 euros per month.

Note Large packs (e.g. for three months) are often cheaper than individual packs.