For Parents

About the Birth Control Ring

Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting, no matter how close you are. But discussing issues like abstinence, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and birth control can help lower teens' risk of an pill or condom) should be used for 7 days when a girl first starts using the ring.

The exact position of the ring in the vagina is not critical as long as it feels comfortable. If it doesn't feel comfortable, it can be pushed further back or removed and reinserted. Most women do not feel the ring once it is in place. It can be left in place during swimming, bathing, and exercise. It can also remain in place during intercourse.

The ring is held in place by the vaginal muscles, so it's unlikely that it will fall out. If it does, it can be rinsed under cool water (not hot) and reinserted within 3 hours. If more than 3 hours pass without the ring in the vagina, there's a risk of pregnancy and an additional form of birth control should be used until the ring has been in place for 7 days.

How Well Does the Birth Control Ring Work?

The effectiveness of the vaginal birth control ring is still being studied. So far, results are similar to other hormonal methods of birth control, like the patch or the Pill. Results show that over the course of a year, 5–8 out of 100 typical couples who rely on the ring to prevent pregnancy will have an accidental pregnancy. Of course, the chance of getting pregnant depends on whether a woman uses the ring correctly. Delaying or missing a monthly insertion or removing a ring too early reduces its effectiveness.

In general, how well each type of birth control method works depends on many things. These include whether a woman has any health conditions or is taking any medications that might interfere with its use. It's important for a doctor to be aware of all medications and herbal supplements that a girl might be taking. Although using the ring means not having to remember to take a pill every day or replace a patch, it still needs to be removed after 3 weeks and then replaced a week later. If it is not replaced on time, it loses its effectiveness.

Protection Against STDs

The vaginal ring does not protect against STDs. Couples having sex must always use condoms along with the vaginal ring to protect against STDs.

Abstinence (not having sex) is the only method that always prevents pregnancy and STDs.

Possible Side Effects

The vaginal ring is a safe and effective method of birth control. Most young women who use the ring have no side effects. Smoking cigarettes and using the ring can increase the risk of certain side effects, which is why health professionals advise those who use the ring not to smoke.

The side effects that some women have while using the ring are similar to those experienced with the birth control pill. These may include:

• irregular menstrual bleeding
• nausea, weight gain, headaches, dizziness, and breast tenderness
• mood changes
• blood clots (rare in women under 35 who do not smoke)

Other possible side effects seen in ring users include:

• vaginal irritation or infections (mainly yeast infections)
• vaginal discharge
• problems with contact lens use, such as a change in vision or inability to wear the lenses

These side effects are usually mild and tend to disappear after 2 or 3 months.

Who Uses the Birth Control Ring?

The vaginal ring may be a good choice for young women who find it difficult to remember to take a pill every day or who have difficulty swallowing pills. They must feel comfortable enough with their bodies to be able to insert a device into the vagina.

Not all women can — or should — use the vaginal ring. Certain medical conditions can make the use of the ring less effective or more risky. For example, it is not recommended for females who have had blood clots, severe high blood pressure, certain types of cancers, certain types of migraine headaches, or diabetes with certain complications. Those who have had unexplained vaginal bleeding (bleeding that is not during their periods) or who suspect they may be pregnant should talk to their doctors, stop using the ring, and use another form of birth control in the meantime.

Where Is the Birth Control Ring Available?

A doctor or a nurse practitioner must prescribe the birth control ring, and will probably ask questions about your daughter's health and family medical history. He or she may also do a complete physical exam, including a blood pressure measurement and a pelvic exam. If the ring is prescribed, the doctor will also provide instructions on how to use it. A young woman may have to go back to the doctor a few months after using the ring to get her blood pressure measured and to ensure that there are no problems. After that, a doctor may recommend routine exams once or twice a year or as needed.

How Much Does the Birth Control Ring Cost?

The ring usually costs between $30–$45 a month, although health and family planning clinics (such as Planned Parenthood) might sell them for less. In addition, the vaginal ring and doctor's visits are covered by many health insurance plans.

Reviewed by: