It’s no secret that most millennials don’t want to have kids. Call us selfish, immature, denatured, or even pessimistic. But the truth is that many of us don’t consider having children as an essential goal for our lives. For us, living our sexuality freely is a right we all should enjoy. Taking care ourselves should become the norm to explore that freedom. It would seem that every day we’re enjoying more openness regarding sex education, and with all the information around us, we all should be experts on the risks and responsibilities when having sex.
In that eagerness to get the most out of the sexual experience, while at the same time being fully protected, scientists continue to come up with new inventions to provide users with better alternatives to common contraceptive methods, and still no one has been able to really beat the invincible condom. However, there are some new methods that provide a better choice than other current methods, and here we present one that promises to become the top one in terms of contraception: the vaginal or contraceptive ring. First things first, before rushing to the internet to see where you can find one, it’s important to bear in mind that, although this might be the safest and less invasive method on the market, you need first to pay a visit to your doctor to see if you’re eligible for it, since sadly, it’s not meant for everybody.
How does it work?
Let’s start. Any contraceptive method intends to stop pregnancy. The ring, a small plastic device that you put inside your vagina, releases a boost of estrogen and progestogen that works in three different ways. First, it reduces the ovulation process (releasing of an egg). Second, it thickens the vaginal mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the egg. Finally, the hormones involved are meant to thin the lining of the womb, reducing the chances of implantation. One of the most appealing things about this particular method is that it’s not a daily treatment like the pill. Nor do you need to worry about it every time you want to have sex. Once you place it, it’s meant to be left inside for 21 days, during which it makes its hormonal process. After this time, you take it off and rest for seven days, in which you’re still protected.
According to the National Health Service (NHS) of the UK, this method is more than 99% effective, in contrast with pills that provide only a 95% of effectiveness. Besides the fact that its technology is meant to be more protective, this device appeals to comfort. Once inside, you don’t really have to worry about it until it’s time to change it. This means you can have sex with it inside, and even wear tampons as you normally would.
Who can use it?
As I mentioned, unfortunately it’s not meant to be used by every woman. For instance, the doctor prescribing the ring first has to check your medical record and family history to see if your eligible for the device, so if you have problems with your circulatory system or have had heart issues like clots or even high blood pressure, then, sadly, you won’t be able to use it. Moreover, they don’t recommend it to smokers, women who suffer from migraines, or if you take certain medication like enzyme inducers or some antibiotics. All these restrictions happen because, although the percentage is extremely low, the vaginal ring can have some risks like developing clots in arteries or veins and even provoking heart attacks or strokes. That’s why it’s very important to check with a doctor first if it’s the best contraceptive option for you.
This method seems to be a more comfortable option because, according to the study made by the NHS, it can also help reduce the PMS symptoms and makes the menstrual process less uncomfortable since it reduces the bleeding and pain. It allegedly reduces the risks of ovarian and uterine cancer. However, it’s important to note that although it sounds wonderful, this method is not meant to protect you from STD’s. Condoms are still essential to be fully protected.
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You might find interesting:
The Dark Side Of The Birth Control Pill
5 Myths About The Most Practical Contraceptive Method
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The photographs illustrating this article belong to @philchester
Source:
National Health Service