Sex Ed in the City

I heard there’s a new type of birth control available called the vaginal ring. What is it? How does it work?

The vaginal Nuva Ring is a soft, flexible, clear plastic ring that is about the size of the bottom of a pop can. It is put in the women’s vagina where it slowly releases hormones which can prevent pregnancy or stop pregnancy.

The ring comes in only one size. It is held in place by the walls of the vagina and a woman usually cannot feel the ring once it is in. The woman inserts and removes the ring herself. The ring is left inside the vagina for three weeks. After three weeks, take it out. During the fourth week, you will get your period. After the ring free week, you will insert a new ring. Remember, the vagina is a closed space and there is no way for the ring to get “lost” or go anywhere else.

Some advantages of the vaginal ring:

You don’t have to remember to take a pill every day. You don’t have to think about birth control when you are having sex. You can stop using the ring immediately if you choose to.
Some disadvantages of the vaginal ring;

It does not provide protection from sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Always use a latex condom when you have sex to reduce your risk of getting an STI or HIV. The vaginal ring can be expensive and you must have a prescription in order to get the vaginal ring.

You can get a prescription for the vaginal ring from your health care provider, family planning clinic, and/or a walk-in clinic.

Check out our web site at www.serc.mb.ca

Information provided by the Sexuality Education Resource Centre. Do you have questions about sexuality? Send them to amandav@serc.mb.ca

The information contained in this article is not intended as medical advice. Should you have any questions, please consult your health care provider.