Vaginal rings (also known as intravaginal rings , or V-Rings ) are polymeric drug delivery devices designed to provide the release of controlled drugs for administration intravagina for long periods of time. The ring is inserted into the vagina and provides contraceptive protection. The vaginal ring comes in one size that is suitable for most women.
The correlation between breast cancer and the use of vaginal rings is being investigated, but recent literature suggests that the hormones used in the vaginal ring have little, if any, relation to the risk of developing breast cancer.
Some vaginal ring products are currently available, including:
- Estring - a low-dose estradiol-release ring, made from silicone elastomers, for the treatment of vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis).
- Femring - a low dose of estradiol-acetate release ring, made from silicone elastomers, to remove hot flashes and vaginal atrophy associated with menopause.
- NuvaRing - low-dose contraceptive vaginal ring, made from poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate), and releases ethonogestrel (progestin) ethinylestradiol (estrogen).
- Progering , which contains progesterone as a single ingredient, is available only in Chile and Peru.
A number of other vaginal ring products are also being developed.
Video Vaginal ring
Birth control
It is self-administered once a month. Let the inner ring for three weeks slowly release hormones into the body, especially orally administered estrogens and/or progestogens (a group of hormones including progesterone) - the same hormone used in birth control pills. These hormones work primarily by stopping ovulation and thickening of cervical mucus, creating a barrier preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg. They could theoretically influence implantation but there is no evidence to suggest that they did so. Used continuously for three weeks followed by one week off, each vaginal ring provides one month of birth control. For continuous contraceptive use, users may also choose to wear a vaginal ring during a full four-week cycle. This way of contraception will eliminate the monthly period. Over the course of an additional week, serum hormone levels will remain within the range of contraceptives.
When compared with combined hormonal pills, combined hormonal vaginal rings offer better cycle control and treatment of severe menstrual bleeding. However, both methods are effective short-term treatment in the reproductive age group. The vaginal ring can lead to an increase in normal vaginal secretion, weight loss, reduced PMS symptoms, and sometimes cases of vaginitis, device related problems and leukorrhea. Because they release estrogen, the vaginal ring has an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious side effects. In addition, certain drugs and supplements, such as rifampicin antibiotics, anti-fungal griseofulvin, anti-seizure medicines, St. John's wort, and HIV drugs, can undermine the effectiveness of the vaginal ring. The vaginal ring does not protect the user from sexually transmitted diseases. The only measure of contraception that does that is a latex or polyurethane condom.
The contraceptive vaginal ring has a failure rate of 0.3% when used as defined and 9% when used frequently.
Maps Vaginal ring
Usage methods
The vaginal ring is easily inserted and removed. The vaginal walls hold them in place. Although their precise location within the vagina is not essential for clinical efficacy, the ring is generally located next to the cervix, and the deeper the placement in the vagina, the less likely the ring will be felt. Rings are usually left in place during intercourse, and most couples report no disturbance or discomfort. In many cases, couples do not feel the presence of the ring. The rings may be removed before sexual intercourse, but, in the case of contraceptive NuvaRing, only for one to three hours to maintain the effectiveness of birth control. If the ring is out for more than 48 hours, contraceptive reserves are required for seven days. It usually takes between one and two months for the user cycle to return to normal after the use of the vaginal ring is stopped.
- Estring - Estring is inserted into the vagina and left for three months, after which it is removed and replaced with a fresh ring.
- Femring - Femring is inserted into the vagina and left for three months, after which it is removed and replaced with a fresh ring.
- NuvaRing - NuvaRing is inserted into the vagina and left for three weeks, after which it is removed for 'free ring' weeks to allow menstruation to occur.
References
External links
- Estring
- Femring
- Nuvaring
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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