Progesterone vaginal ring | |
---|---|
Background | |
Type | Hormonal |
First use | 1998 |
Trade names | Progering, Fertiring, others |
Failure rates (first year) | |
Perfect use | ? |
Typical use | 1.5%[1] |
Usage | |
Duration effect | 3 months |
User reminders | ? |
Advantages and disadvantages | |
STI protection | No[2] |
Period advantages | Periods may not occur while ring is inserted |
Benefits | Easy insertion and removal[3] |
Progesterone vaginal ring, also known as progesterone-only vaginal ring, is a form of vaginal ring used for birth control when breastfeeding.[1] Use can begin at four weeks and continue for at least up to a year following childbirth.[4][3] Failure rates with usual use is about 1.5 per 100 women.[1] It is used within the vagina with one ring lasting three months.[4] The woman is able to place and remove the ring herself.[3] It is sold under the brand names Progering among others.[5]
Side effects include vaginal discharge and pain with urination.[3] It does not appear to be associated with serious side effects.[3][6] With use menstrual periods often do not resume.[1] It was specifically made for use with breastfeeding as it does not affect milk production.[1] It works by gradually releasing the hormone progesterone.[1]
Progesterone vaginal rings have been approved for medical use since 1998.[2] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[7][8] As of 2014, they are available in a number of South and Central American countries.[1] As of 2016, it is not available in the United States.[4] It was developed by the Population Council.[5][2]