The Ring Birth Control As a Type of Contraception

The birth control ring is a thin, flexible ring about five centimetres in diameter that a woman inserts into her vagina herself. The contraceptive ring is prescribed by a doctor after the woman has undergone a medical examination including her blood pressure.

The contraceptive birth control ring contains a combination of two hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, like the oral contraceptive pill. The ring slowly releases the hormones throughout the vaginal wall to the bloodstream to prevent ovulation. The vaginal ring hormones may also cause a thickening of the cervical mucus and a thinning of the uterine wall.

The woman inserts the contraceptive ring into the vagina on the first day of her menstrual cycle or before the fifth day, and the ring remains in place for three weeks in a row. In this way the ring is again comparable to the combined contraceptive pill, with a ring-free week after three weeks of using the ring.

At the end of the third week, at about the same time of day on the same day as first inserted, the woman should remove and dispose of the vaginal ring, and her withdrawal bleed should start within a few days.

At the end of the fourth week, the woman inserts a new contraceptive ring on the same day as the last one was inserted, even if she is still bleeding, and the process begins again.

Another form of contraception such as condoms should be used for the first seven days when a woman first starts using the birth control ring if she has not used any contraceptive previously, because the hormones do not take effect immediately.

The contraceptive ring is held in place by the vaginal muscles so is unlikely to fall out. However, should this occur, the vaginal ring should be rinsed in cool water and reinserted within three hours. The ring can be left in place while swimming or exercising and during sexual intercourse. When in place, the ring usually cannot be felt.

Possible side effects include irregular menstrual bleeding, nausea, dizziness, headaches, breast tenderness, mood changes and vaginal irritation or discharge.

The birth control ring does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Often the choice of using the birth control ring for contraception is a couple’s decision. The woman should be comfortable with inserting the contraceptive ring into her vagina, and her partner should be comfortable with the device being there.

As the woman does not have to remember a daily commitment to contraception, the birth control ring may well suit shift workers or women who travel and cross various time zones. However, she must remember to remove the ring contraception after three weeks and to replace it a week later, or it loses its effectiveness.

In terms of returning to fertility, return of ovulation is likely to occur after 12 days of the ring being removed. The ring birth control is a very effective method if used correctly.

What Are the Side Effects of Contraceptive Birth Control Methods?

Some contraceptive methods have more adverse reactions than others. Birth control side effects are thus a major issue with hormonal pills in particular, although some downsides have been reported for all kinds of birth control. It is of paramount importance for women to understand the risks they are exposing themselves to when choosing the pill. Hormonal birth control used for years on end in order to prevent unwanted pregnancies could have tremendous health implications.

In order to make your final decision, you should always weigh the pros against the cons. For the pill, there are normally two types of pregnancy control side effects you need to pay attention too.

Temporary birth control side effects

During the first month of treatment, the body adjusts to higher levels of estrogen and progesterone, and once the body gets used to these, the adverse reactions go away. Among the more common symptoms, let me mention:

-nausea (you can reduce it by taking the pill in the evening before going to bed);
-morning sickness;
-palpitations;
-tender breast;
-bloating and loose stool;
-irregular period;
-spotting (dark-red vaginal discharges);
-hair and follicular changes;
-increased fluid retention etc.

Talk to your doctor to find out ways to reduce these pregnancy control side effects, and have your condition monitored until the symptoms go away.

Long term birth control side effects

Hormonal contraceptives have long term adverse reactions that may require a discontinuation of the pregnancy control method, and its replacement with a better tolerated one. The more common are:

-increased number of gallstones;
-susceptibility to developing cataract;
-depression;
-lower immune function;
-higher risk of ectopic pregnancies when the woman tries to conceive;
-higher susceptibility towards cervical and endometrial cancers due to lack of hormonal balance.

Most birth control side effects cannot be really anticipated because it’s difficult to determine the woman’s response to treatment. Nobody can tell you how you’re going to react during the use of hormonal pills. Condoms are the birth control methods with almost no side effects. Intolerance to latex has been the only health-related issue; however, these thin barriers could break, and that’s what makes them risky for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

No matter what type of birth control you turn to, make sure you use it correctly and consistently for the optimal protection that you want. Sometimes a combination between more methods seems like the best idea. Talk to your family doctor and find out more.

Contraceptives – Birth Control

There are numerous constituents that come into action when a specific method for birth control is being determined. Amongst them the main determining factors are the maturity level of the individual and the number of times the sexual act is expected to be performed. All these factors lead to the choice between several contraceptives that are available in the market and have stood the test of time. Some of the most popular ones have been stated in a few words in the following paragraphs.

Amongst the contraceptives the foremost that comes to mind is the birth control pill. It is made up of estrogen and progestin combined or individually of progestin. They have their share of side effects. Smokers are suggested against it owing to an amplified heart disease risk. Further prolonged use can result in obesity, sickness, irregular flow of blood, and gloominess.

Another method that is used for avoiding becoming pregnant at times progestin are injected. It is considered to be a successful and helpful method since it does not take much; the only compulsion is a trip to the health care provider four times in a year for the respective injection. The possible side effects are the same as the pills made up of the same ingredient.

Other than that the diaphragms’ are also quite acceptable and effectual. They are classified according to individual sizes for ensuring a proper fit. It can be worn for six hours continuously without any risks, however leaving them on for more than a day may lead to the threat of toxicity. A cervical cap can also be classified as its kind. It too is sized in order to ensure a proper fitting. It provides protection for two days but is advised not to be worn for that long owing to the production of a stinking smell and a reeking discharge.

Sarfaraz was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, surrounded by traffic and technology. He writes mostly about diseases, the storybooks, futuristic columns, mysteries, as he likes to call it. He enjoys writing for web.

He wrote his first book (The Black Bodyguard of Stone-Pyramid) in 2003 and since then has provided the picture for 1 more title. His book was honored as a BEST SELLER.

Contraceptive Birth Control Methods For Men and Women

Many couples who do not wish baby look for contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy. In this article we will discuss some popular birth control methods.

Condoms are the most widely used birth control device throughout the world. A condom is a thin rubber sheath which unrolls to fit over a man erect penis. It can be used during sexual intercourse between a man and woman to help prevent the woman from becoming pregnant and lower the risk of STDs. It is also useful in early ejaculation because it usually slows up the orgasm. A condom must be put on before the penis touches the vaginal area. It should only be used once. After it has been used it should be wrapped in a tissue and put in a dustbin. They are distributed free of cost at family planning centers.

Diaphragm is a method of contraception for women. It is a thin shallow rubber dome with a flexible rim that fits within the vagina and covers the cervix so sperm cannot reach the uterus. It covers the cervix and works as a barrier stopping sperm from getting into the uterus and fertilizing an ovum.

The woman puts the diaphragm in her vagina before having sexual intercourse. When it is in the right place, neither the man nor the woman can feel it.

To prevent pregnancy, diaphragm is smeared with spermicidal before putting it in. After intercourse it should remain there at least for six hours. She can then it out, dry it and puts it away until she needs to use it again. A physician or a trained nurse can help you to find the diaphragm of correct size and can fit it properly. It can be inserted some hours before coitus. It should not be left in place for more than 24 hours, neither it should be removed at least six hours after coitus. It does not suit all women.

Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a type of contraceptive device that is inserted and left inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It is a plastic or metal device placed in the uterus and stay there for a few years. They come in many shapes: Rings, Bow, T and X. Each shape has its pros and cons.

This device reduces the chance of the zygote implanting itself in the uterus wall and make intrauterine environment more hostile to sperm because foreign object in the uterus prevent conception. It is easy to insert into the uterus, is cheap and does not interfere with body chemistry and can be left in place for long periods and forgotten except for the occasional check. It is also easy to remove if pregnancy is desired. For some women it is not appropriate because it causes heavier than usual menstrual bleeding, occasional cramps and in a few cases interferes with sexual activity.

There are many more contraceptive methods but the widely used and popular methods are discussed above. Hope the information mentioned here will help you in deciding the most suitable birth control method for you.

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