Birth Control Slideshow Pictures

Vaginal Ring

The vaginal ring (NuvaRing) is a new form of birth control. The actual design of a vaginal ring as birth control was first developed in the 1970s. The vaginal rings can deliver progesterone or progesterone/estrogen combinations. The hormones are released slowly and absorbed directly by the reproductive organs. Preliminary studies show that, like birth control pills, they safely prevent pregnancy with few side effects. These would be used in the same schedule as birth control pills, with three weeks of ring usage and one week without to produce a menstrual period. If the ring comes out on its own and remains out for more than three hours, you must use another form of birth control until the ring has been back in place for at least seven days. It is available by prescription. The vaginal ring does not prevent STDs.