Contraception

What’s a cervical ring?

Nothing stops progress!  The cervical ring is another innovation in hormonal birth control developed for women.

It is a ring of approximately 5 cm in diameter that you place in your vagina, around the cervix.  The ring stays in place for a period of three weeks.  The ring then slowly releases estrogen and progesterone. These are absorbed through the mucous membranes of the vagina. Like the Pill, the cervical ring prevents the egg (ovule) from being released from the ovaries, thus preventing pregnancy.  The secretions of the cervix will also thicken and the uterine lining will thin.  Like the Pill, it is over 99% effective.

Because the cervical ring requires a prescription, you will have to see a doctor.

Precautions… 

• It is not recommended to smoke if you’re using the ring.  The combination might increase the risk of cancer. However, not smoking and/or quitting are always good choices.
• If you’re taking medicine, like antibiotics, ask your doctor or pharmacist if the ring is right for you.  Certain drugs reduce the effectiveness of the ring.
• Some natural products, like St-John’s-wort, can also decrease the cervical ring efficacy.
• The cervical ring does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) or HIV.  Use a condom to prevent STI’s.

How much does it cost?

You will need to see a doctor to get a prescription for the cervical ring.  It is available in a single size in all drug stores.  It costs about 20-25$.

How to use and practical tips

• You must first see a doctor to get a prescription.  You can then get it in any drug store.
• You must put the ring in place between the first and fifth day of your period.
• The ring must be pinched between two fingers and inserted into the vagina, while you are in the most comfortable position possible (standing with a leg propped up, crouching, lying down…..).
• It is installed properly when you feel no discomfort.  Its effectiveness doesn’t depend on a particular position in the vagina
• Most men and women don’t feel the ring during sex, and the ones that do usually don’t find it hinders them.
• Don’t forget that the vagina is a closed space.  Therefore, the ring cannot “get lost” or end up somewhere else.
• The ring must be removed after three weeks, ideally on the same day that it was installed.  You can take it out by using your index finger as a hook to pull it out, or by pinching it between your thumb and forefinger.
• Once you have removed the ring, throw it in the garbage (don’t try to flush it down the toilet!).
• You don’t need to use the ring during the fourth week.  Once it is removed, your period should start soon after.  Just make sure not to go more than 7 days without one.
• After a 7-day break, you install a new ring and a new cycle starts. It will be the same day of the week as the first time you installed it.
• If the ring somehow slips out (while removing a tampon, for example), you can rinse it out with warm water (not too hot) and reinstall it immediately.  It will not have lost its effectiveness.
• If you forget to install it at the appropriate time, follow the instructions included with it.

What are the Pros and Cons? :

• The biggest advantage is that you only have to put it in once a month and then forget about it, rather than taking the Pill every day.
• The ring also has the advantage of making your periods more regular, with less bleeding and less painful.
• Your menstrual cycle will be back to normal within a few days of stopping using the ring.
• It reduces the risk of uterus cancer.

• The cervical ring offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) and HIV.  A condom must be used to prevent infections.
• Some women find the ring hard to insert and remove.
• Some people experience discomfort while having sex.  They can feel it.
• There might be side effects at first, like irregular bleeding, headaches, breast pain, but they usually disappear once your body is used to the hormones.
• In rare cases, the ring can provoke a vaginitis or irritation of the vaginal mucous membrane

If the side effects don’t go away or are important, you should see your doctor.

Extra

If you want to learn more, you can go to these websites: