Why it's done

Vaginal rings help prevent pregnancy. Among various benefits, they:

• Are comfortable and easy to use
• Don't require the need to remember a daily pill
• Don't require a personalized fitting
• Eliminate the need to interrupt sex for contraception
• Can be removed at any time, followed by a quick return to fertility
• Are safe for women with latex allergies
• Don't appear to cause weight gain
• Are less likely to cause irregular bleeding than are oral combination hormone birth control pills
• Deliver a smaller level of hormones throughout the body than do some other types of contraceptives, which may reduce the risk of side effects

Vaginal rings aren't appropriate for everyone. Your health care provider may discourage use of vaginal rings if you:

• Are older than age 35 and smoke
• Are sensitive to any components of the vaginal ring
• Are taking certain medications for hepatitis C
• Are about to be immobilized for a prolonged period due to major surgery

Vaginal rings also aren't recommended if you have certain health conditions, including:

• Diabetes with complications related to your blood vessels
• A history of blood clots
• A history of breast, uterine or liver cancer, or other liver disease
• A history of heart attack or stroke
• Migraines with aura or, if you're over age 35, any migraines
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding

In addition, tell your health care provider if you smoke or have:

• A history of toxic shock syndrome
• Any condition that makes you susceptible to vaginal irritation
• Depression
• Gallbladder or heart disease
• High cholesterol or high triglycerides
• High blood pressure