Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
Topics
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Adult / Seniors
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Alcohol / Drugs
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Babies / Children
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Beauty & Body Art
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Cancer
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Emergencies / Disasters
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Food Safety
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Handwashing
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Health Hazards
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Heart Health
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Immunization / Vaccines
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Infectious Diseases /
Prevention / Control
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Injury Prevention
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Lyme Disease
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Nutrition
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Dental Services / Oral Health
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Pandemic (H1N1) 2009
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Physical Activity
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Pregnancy
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Rabies
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Sexual Health
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Sun Safety
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Smoking / Tobacco
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit West Nile Virus
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Workplace Health


  Services
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Clinics
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit District Health Profile
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Health Care Professionals
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Reports & Publications
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit School
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Sewage / Land Control
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Water / Small Drinking
Water Systems

Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
Home About Us Board of Health Careers Contact Us Media Search
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit

Sexual Health - STD / AIDS
- Birth Control Options - Vaginal Ring

Vaginal Ring

What is it?

The vaginal ring (also know as Nuvaring* or "The Ring") is a soft, flexible, clear plastic ring that is inserted into a women's vagina for three weeks, and then removed for one week. It is a highly effective and reversible hormonal method of birth control.

  • When inserted into the vagina, the ring slowly releases estrogen and progestin

  • These hormones are absorbed through the vagina and into the bloodstream

  • The ring does not need to be in a particular position in the vagina to be effective. It is held in place by the walls of the vagina, and a woman usually cannot feel the ring once it is in place.

Here is an animated demonstration on how to insert and remove the vaginal ring.




How does it work?


Like oral contraceptive pills, the vaginal ring works to prevent pregnancy in 3 ways:

  • Stops the ovaries from releasing eggs

  • Thickens the cervical mucous making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg

  • Changes the lining of the uterus, making implantation difficult




How effective is it in preventing pregnancy?


The vaginal ring is 99.7% effective when it is used perfectly. With typical use, it is 92% effective in preventing pregnancy.




What are the advantages?

  • A reversible and highly effective birth control method

  • Once a month regimen (no daily routine required)

  • Regulates menstrual cycles

  • Lighter periods and possibly less cramping

  • Does not interfere with sex

  • Expected to provide other benefits similar to oral contraceptives (research is still needed)




What are the disadvantages?

  • Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections

  • Hormones may cause side effects such as: irregular bleeding and spotting, nausea, breast tenderness, headache, vaginal irritation, discomfort and discharge.

  • The ring may fall out (uncommon)

  • Women who cannot take estrogen because of a medical problem cannot use the vaginal ring

  • Need a prescription from a health professional



Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Quick Links



Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit
Copyright © 2010 | Disclaimer | Privacy Statement
In Case of Public Health Emergency Please Call
613-345-5685
An Accredited Health Unit Since 1990
Any questions or concerns with the website, please contact
Webmaster
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit