Vaginal ring
The vaginal ringVaginal ringMeans of preventing pregnancy (a method of contraception). A vaginal ring is a…Read more is a method of contraception.
The vaginal ring is a thin, flexible ring made from plastic. It contains the same 2 hormones as the contraceptive pillContraceptive pillPill that prevents pregnancy (a method of contraception). The contraceptive pill is only…Read more.
These hormones prevent ovulationOvulationMoment at which a ripe egg cell is released from 1 of the…Read more. They also make it more difficult for sperm cells to reach the mucous membraneMucous membraneA very thin layer of skin (membrane) on which there is a thick…Read more of the cervixCervixNarrow entrance at the bottom of the uterus, at the top of the…Read more. The sperm cells will then have difficulties reaching the uterusUterusOrgan in a woman's belly in which a foetus can grow.Read more, where the egg cellEgg cellFemale sex cell. A woman is born with many egg cells in her…Read more is located. The hormones also interfere with the implantationImplantationWhen a fertilized egg cell attaches to the mucous membrane of the uterus.…Read more of an egg cell.
Vaginal ring
Squeezed vaginal ring
How to use a vaginal ring
Use a vaginal ring as follows:
- Squeeze the ring.
- Insert the ring deep into the vaginaVaginaPart of the inner sexual organs of a woman. The vagina connects the…Read more. You can insert the ring from various positions, for instance by standing with 1 leg raised, lying down or squatting.
- Put 1 finger inside the vagina and push the ring deep into the vagina. The ring should sit comfortably. The exact position in the vagina is not important.
- The ring stays in place when having sexual intercourse. You can remove the vaginal ring during sexual intercourseSexual intercourseSexual act in which the penis penetrates (enters) the vagina or anus.Read more, but you need to insert it again within 3 hours.
- To remove the ring, put your finger into your vagina and hook it through the ring. Gently pull the ring out.
- Use the ring continuously for 3 weeks. Remove the ring on the same day of the week as you inserted it (for instance, Wednesday). Then throw the ring in a bin.
- For the next 7 days (1 week), you do not use the vaginal ring. This week, you will start to bleed (menstrual period). You are also protected in this week.
- After 7 days insert a new ring, even if you are still bleeding.
- Repeat the previous steps.
Detail of the woman’s pelvis: 1. vaginal ring, 2. uterus, 3. vagina, 4. anus and 5. urinary meatus.
Squeeze the ring.
Insert the ring deep into the vagina.
Put 1 finger inside the vagina and push the ring up as far as possible.
The ring is correctly inserted in the vagina.
The ring stays in place when having sexual intercourse. You can remove the vaginal ring during sexual intercourse, but you need to insert it again within 3 hours.
To remove the ring, put your finger into your vagina and hook it through the ring. Gently pull the ring out.
Use the ring continuously for 3 weeks. Then throw the ring in a bin.
Use the ring continuously for 3 weeks. For the next 7 days (1 week), you do not use the vaginal ring. This week your menstrual period will start. After 7 days insert a new ring, even if you are still bleeding. Repeat the previous steps.
You can also insert the vaginal ring using an applicator instead of your finger.
Vaginal ring in applicator
Reliable
The vaginal ring is very reliable if used correctly.
The vaginal ring is not reliable, or is less reliable, if:
- You are taking certain medicines such as St John’s wort. Tell your doctorDoctorSomeone who is trained to cure sick people. Doctors can prescribe medicines. A…Read more you are using the vaginal ring. He will take this into account when prescribing medicines.
- If you forget to insert the vaginal ring after the 7-day break, or if you forget to change the ring;
- You lose the vaginal ring during sexual intercourse and do not insert it again within 3 hours.
The vaginal ring can be used for up to 4 months from the day you bought it in a pharmacyPharmacyShop where you can get medicines with a prescription from your doctor. Read more.
Reliable
No damage to your healthHealthFeeling physically, mentally and socially well in your environment. Health is more than…Read more
The vaginal ring contains hormones. These hormones usually do not generally affect your health. However, in some cases it is better to choose a different method of contraception. Ask the general practitioner for advice.
The vaginal ring does not make you less fertileFertileIf you are fertile, you are able to have a baby (if you…Read more. If you want to get pregnant, you just remove the vaginal ring.
During the first months of using the vaginal ring, you may have side-effects like headaches, vaginal infections and nausea. These effects usually disappear spontaneously. If they do not disappear, consult a doctor.
Your menstruationMenstruationThe loss of blood once a month through a woman's vagina. Menstruation lasts…Read more often becomes less heavy and less painful.
No protection against STIs and HIVHIVA virus (human immunodeficiency virus) that affects the natural immune system. When someone…Read more
The vaginal ring does not protect against STIs or HIV. Only a condom can protect you.
Condom
Buying the vaginal ring
You need a prescriptionPrescriptionSmall paper on which the doctor writes which medicines you have to take. With…Read more from a family doctor, gynaecologistGynaecologistDoctor specializing in health care during pregnancy, contraception and women's diseases. A gynaecologist…Read more or midwifeMidwifeA trained person who helps a pregnant woman before, during and after delivery.…Read more to get the vaginal ring in a pharmacy.
Until the age of 21, most forms of contraceptionContraceptionMeans and methods of preventing pregnancy. Condoms and the contraceptive pill are examples…Read more are reimbursed by your health insurance. However, you first have to pay the excessExcessThe excess (eigen risico) is the amount you have to pay yourself if…Read more (eigen risico) of your health insurance policy. Check with your health insurance provider to find out how much will be reimbursed. From the age of 21, contraception is only reimbursed if you have taken out additional insurance for contraception.
What does it cost?