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
unintended pregnancy
or contracting an STD.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports sex education
that includes information about both abstinence and birth control.
Research has shown that this information doesn't increase
kids' level of sexual activity, but actually promotes and
increases the proper use of birth control methods among sexually
active teens.
How and when you discuss sex and birth control is up to you.
Providing the facts is vital, but it's also wise to tell your
kids where you stand. Remember, by approaching these issues
like any other health topics, not as something dirty or
embarrassing, you increase the odds that your kids will
feel comfortable coming to you with any questions and
problems. As awkward as it might feel, answer questions honestly.
And if you don't know the answers, it's OK to say so, then
find out and report back.
If you have questions about how to talk with your son or
daughter about sex, consider consulting your doctor. Lots of
parents find this tough to tackle, and a doctor may offer some
helpful perspective.
What Is the Birth Control Ring?
The birth control ring is a soft, flexible, doughnut-shaped ring
about 2 inches (5 centimeters) in diameter. It is inserted into the
vagina where it slowly releases hormones through the vaginal wall
into the bloodstream.
How Does the Ring Work?
The combination of the hormones progesterone and estrogen in the
birth control ring prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from
the ovaries during a woman's monthly cycle). If an egg
isn't released, a woman can't get pregnant because
there's no egg for a male's sperm to fertilize.
The hormones in the ring also thicken the cervical mucus (the
mucus produced by cells in the cervix). This makes it difficult for
sperm to enter the uterus and reach any eggs that may have been
released. The hormones in the ring can also sometimes affect the
lining of the uterus so that an egg will have a hard time attaching
to the wall of the uterus.
Like the birth control
pill
or
patch
, a woman uses the birth control ring based on her monthly
menstrual cycle. She inserts it into the vagina (similar to the
insertion of a tampon) on the first day of her menstrual cycle or
before day 5 of her menstrual cycle, where it remains in place for
3 weeks in a row. At the end of the third week, she removes it and
her menstrual period should start. At the end of the fourth week,
she inserts a new ring and the process begins again.
Because the hormones in the ring don't take effect
immediately, another form of birth control (such as a
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 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:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: January 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2009 The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth. All rights reserved.