Dear Forks,

Yes, the ring is safe and effective. It's a relatively new form of combined hormone birth control that prevents pregnancy in the same way that combined-hormone birth control pills do. The ring releases synthetic estrogen and progestin to protect against pregnancy for one month. The combination of hormones works in two ways. Usually, it keeps the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation). Less often it thickens the cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from joining with an egg. The ring works with less estrogen than some other forms of combined-hormone birth control because it is placed closer to the ovaries and so the hormone is absorbed more directly.

The ring is a soft and flexible. A woman inserts it deep inside her vagina. A new ring is inserted once and left in place for three out of four weeks. At the beginning of the fourth week it is removed and menstruation occurs. The ring is up to 99.7 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly.

There are many advantages specific to using the ring:

• It protects against pregnancy for one month.



• You don't have to take a pill every day.



• It doesn't require a "fitting" by a clinician.



• It doesn't require the use of spermicide.

There are also some possible disadvantages specific to the ring:

• There may be increased vaginal discharge.



• Vaginal irritation or infection is possible.



• Women who use the ring cannot use diaphragms or cervical caps for a backup method of birth control.

Keep in mind that, like the pill, the ring doesn't offer any protection against sexually transmitted infections. Using a latex or female condom along with the ring reduces the risk of infection.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.