Does anyone use a vaginal ring for contraception?

[fasterthanthewind]

If you do, is it any good?
We've used condoms/NFP/exhaustion as contraception for the last 8 years or so, and it's time for something a bit more reliable/less annoying.
Had decided against a hormonal contraceptive, but I don't think I can cope with heavier periods (think I have a mild prolapse, and tampons don't work well now), and I thought maybe the ring was worth a try.
Advice?

[fasterthanthewind]

bump!

[Cashew]

Just seen you have the same question on as me.
No-one I've seen to in 'real life' has tried a ring. The doctor I spoke to said they are the main type of contraception in Spain and other European countries. Hope someone replies to you x

[booface]

Hi I use the Nuvaring. I have found it to be great. It is popular in US I believe, but I am in UK. It has really helped make my periods lighter, and I haven't had any side effects. You do have to be organised though, it is 3 weeks in, 1 week out.

[fasterthanthewind]

Oh hello booface!
I'm in the UK too. What made you decide to try it? I'd decided not to go with hormonal contraception, on the basis that it makes me fat and sexless, but I'm wondering if the lower dose from the ring might be ok after all.
Are you using it for periods as much as for contraception? Any downsides?

[Ladycurd]

I found it fab but was only on it a couple of months before swapped to mirena, I get migraines so shouldn't have been prescribed it really.
was best method for me though.
Docs very reluctant to prescribe as very expensive- £10 a month insted of pence for pill.

[LornaGoon]

I thought it was very convenient but the side effects were crazy for me. Poor libido, insomnia, anxiety, heart palpitations..... all listed in the packaging.

I lasted only two months. Just don't think my body likes any hormonal contraception, which is a shame because, like I said, it was so easy to use. Back to the diaphragm and monitoring my cycle.

My dr thinks they are not used that much in the UK because they involve inserting something into the vagina, even though its much easier to use than tampons, moon cups or diaphragm.