The vaginal ring is a small, bendable device that you place inside your vagina to prevent conception. It releases a steady dose of hormones, such as progestin and estrogen, which halt ovulation and cause the cervical mucus to thicken, thereby blocking sperm.
But did you know that the vaginal ring offers a variety of surprising health benefits beyond contraception?
What Exactly is the Vaginal Ring?
Before exploring the many bonuses of using the vaginal ring, it helps to understand exactly what it is. It’s a flexible ring about 2 inches wide that releases hormones into your body over the course of 3 weeks.
You put the ring into your vagina, where it steadily emits hormones. After three weeks, you take it out and go ring-free for one week, so you get your period. Then, you put in a new ring to start a new cycle. When used correctly, the vaginal ring is over 90% effective at preventing conception.
Regulates Your Menstrual Cycle
One of the most complained about aspects of menstruation is its unpredictability and tendency to bring about inconvenient leaks or surprises. The vaginal ring empowers you to take back control of your cycle.
The steady release of hormones enables most women to experience a regular, predictable menstrual cycle. Periods may become lighter and shorter in duration.
Some women may even use the ring continuously to skip periods altogether. If you dread the arrival of your monthly visitor, the vaginal ring offers reliability and customization over your flow.
Alleviates Menstrual Cramps and PMS
In addition to unpredictable timing, periods can arrive with undesired companions, such as cramps, bloating, and an overall feeling of unpleasantness, thanks to PMS. The hormones released by the vaginal ring help to balance out the natural rise and fall of hormones produced by your ovaries.
With fewer hormone fluctuations occurring, you may experience less menstrual cramping and PMS symptoms. The result is a more comfortable period with fewer mood swings and less pain.
Improves Your Hormonal Balance
Hormones affect practically everything in the female body. When they are imbalanced, you feel it. Conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis arise from irregular hormonal patterns.
The vaginal ring helps restore balance by maintaining a steady supply of hormones in your system: no ups and downs. No fluctuations. It’s just smooth sailing with balanced hormones all month long.
Reduces Your Risk of Certain Cancers
Research shows that the increased estrogen and progesterone provided by the vaginal ring may lower your risk of developing certain cancers.
Two very dangerous gynecological cancers – uterine and ovarian cancer – occur less frequently among women who use the vaginal ring compared to women who utilize non-hormonal birth control. The risk of developing these cancers decreases the longer you use the vaginal ring.
Clears Up Acne
Few people welcome acne outbreaks with open arms, especially adult women struggling with hormonal pimples—the steady release of estrogen by the vaginal ring results in lower androgen levels in your body.
Androgens stimulate your sebaceous glands to create more oil, resulting in clogged pores and acne flare-ups. With androgens under control, thanks to the vaginal ring, you may finally achieve consistently clear skin.
Things to Know Before Trying the Vaginal Ring
The vaginal ring offers effective birth control and healing hormonal benefits but is still not appropriate for all women. Certain medical conditions, risk factors, or lifestyle habits may mean a different option is safer.
Women over 35 who smoke should avoid using the vaginal ring or other hormone-based birth control due to excess risk for blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. Being overweight or suffering from high blood pressure or diabetes also elevates health risks on the vaginal ring.
Having a history of migraines, blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, liver disease, or breast cancer typically precludes the use of combined hormonal options as well.
The vaginal ring comes with potential side effects such as discharge, nausea, headaches, sore breasts and irregular bleeding. These go away for most women after a few cycles.
Some report decreased libido, vaginal irritation, or infection as rare but unpleasant effects too. The hassle of remembering to switch out rings monthly proves challenging for certain users.
The Vaginal Ring and Other Contraceptive Options in Raleigh, NC
The vaginal ring offers an appealing blend of hormonal regulation, ease of use, and versatility as a contraceptive option for women living in Raleigh, North Carolina.
If you aren’t convinced that the vaginal ring is the perfect option for you or simply want more professional advice, Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness can help. Our team of expert healthcare providers has worked with countless women to assist them in figuring out the best contraceptive options for their needs and goals.
Contact us today at (919) 636-6670 or schedule a consultation online and let our compassionate providers help you, too.