Vaginal Ring Specialists

Birth control has been around for many years and today there are many safe and effective birth control options, such as a vaginal ring, that have been created for women. The Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas area physicians at Women’s Specialists of Plano will consult with you about your wants and desires, and will conduct a physical examination to help you decide which alternative is best for you as part of your family planning.

Vaginal Ring Overview

Women’s Specialists of Plano offers NuvaRing as a form of contraception and prevention against pregnancy for women living in the communities of Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas.  This vaginal ring works the same way as the birth control pill, releasing estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream to prevent the ovaries from producing mature eggs, but the hormones are administered differently through this device.

What is NuvaRing?

NuvaRing is a small, flexible, comfortable vaginal ring that is easy to insert and remove.  A woman will insert it similarly to how a tampon is inserted. The exact position of the ring is not important for it to be effective. Once inserted, it is designed to stay in place and works to prevent pregnancy.  Once the ring comes into contact with the vagina, the hormones are released. Over the course of three weeks, these hormones are continuously released in a low dosage. At the end of three weeks, the ring is removed and a menstrual cycle typically starts within several days. Following a one-week break, a new ring is inserted.

NuvaRing is not like a diagram. A diagram is a barrier method; whereas a vaginal ring is a contraceptive that contains hormones for preventing pregnancy.   This device does not dissolve inside the vagina, nor can it get lost inside the uterus. Once inserted, NuvaRing will mold to the vaginal muscles which helps to keep it in place. Most women can’t feel NuvaRing once it’s in place and in clinical studies 90% of sexual partners do not find that this device is a problem during sexual intercourse.

There are some possible side effects to use NuvaRing. These include:

  • Vaginal infection
  • Vaginal irritation
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vaginal Discharge

If you decide NuvaRing is a birth control option for you, your physician will go over all of the risk factors in great detail, as well as instructions on how to insert and use the device effectively.

For more information about our various birth control methods, or to make an appointment to discuss the NuvaRing vaginal ring, please contact the office of Women’s Specialists of Plano, serving the Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas communities.