How To Insert A Vaginal Ring For Birth Control
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GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is it? A vaginal ring contains medicine that is put into your vagina (vuh-JI-nuh) (birth canal). The ring will release small amounts of hormones that are taken in and used by your body. These hormones are used for contraception (kon-TRUH-sep-shun) (birth control). This medication will not protect you from HIV infection (in-FECK-shun) (AIDS).
Before using the vaginal ring, tell your caregiver about any allergies to medicine. You should not use this medicine if you are breastfeeding, pregnant or have vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor. You should not use this medicine if you have heart disease, severe high blood pressure, problems with circulation, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, liver disease, a history of stroke or blood clots, or if you are a heavy smoker and over the age of 35.How do I use my vaginal ring?
- Your caregiver will show you how to put your vaginal ring in. You should receive another information sheet from your caregiver or pharmacist about this medicine. Read the information, and talk with your caregiver if you have questions. It is very important to use your vaginal ring exactly as directed to avoid getting pregnant.
- Put one ring into your vagina and keep it in place for 3 weeks in a row. Take your ring out for a 1-week break. When the week has gone by and you have probably had your menstrual period, place a new ring into your vagina.
When do I start using my vaginal ring? The start date for this medicine depends on what kind of birth control you have used in the past and also if you have been pregnant just before starting this medicine. The start date will be different for different patients. Follow your caregiver's instructions. When using a vaginal ring for the first time, use a second form of birth control, such as condoms or spermicide (sper-MI-side). Use condoms or spermicide for the first 7 days after your vaginal ring is put in.
How do I insert my vaginal ring? Follow these steps to put in your vaginal ring:
- You may lie down, stand with one leg up, or squat when you insert the ring. Choose a position that feels best to you.
- Wash your hands with soap and water and make sure your hands are dry. Remove your vaginal ring from its pouch.
- Press the sides of the ring together using your thumb and pointer finger.
- Push the ring high up into the vagina like a tampon.
- When your vaginal ring is in place you should not feel anything. If you feel discomfort when the ring is in place, it may not be far enough inside your vagina. Gently use your finger to push the ring higher into your vagina. It is important that your vaginal ring is placed in the upper part of the vagina.
- You do not have to worry about pushing the ring up too far or it getting lost. Your cervix (the narrow, lower end of your uterus) will block the ring from going too high in your vagina.
- If the ring slips down into your lower vagina when you have a bowel movement, use your finger to push it back up. If the ring comes completely out, rinse it in warm (not hot) water and put it back in.
How do I take out my vaginal ring? Follow these steps to take out your vaginal ring by yourself:
- Wash and dry your hands.
- You may lie down, stand with one leg up, or squat when you remove the ring. Choose a position that feels best to you.
- Use your finger to hook the ring and gently pull it out. Do not flush the old ring down the toilet. Throw the ring away where children or pets cannot get to it.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- If your vaginal ring slips out of your vagina, and it has not been out for more than 3 hours, you can put your ring back in and still be protected from pregnancy.
- If your ring is out of your vagina for more than 3 hours, if you forget to put a new vaginal ring in or take an old vaginal ring out, contact your caregiver for directions. You may not be protected from pregnancy.
Call if:
- You are bleeding from your vagina and you do not know why.
- Your vaginal ring causes irritation (itching, pain, or burning).
- You need to take other vaginal medicines.
- You have pain in your chest or the back of your leg (calf).
- You have shortness of breath, feel like you are going to pass out or are coughing up blood.
- You have a very bad headache or trouble talking or seeing.
- You have numbness or weakness in your arm or leg.
- You have new lumps in your breast.
- Your eyes or skin turn yellow.
- You have stomach pain or tenderness or vomiting (throwing up).
- You have trouble sleeping, feel tired, or if your mood changes.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan you must learn how to use a vaginal ring. You can then discuss contraceptive treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care will be used to treat you.
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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