Chapter 8
CHAPTER 8 - Progesterone-Releasing Vaginal Ring: Only the Essentials
What Is the Progesterone-Releasing Vaginal Ring?
- A smooth, soft, flexible silicone ring placed in the vagina to prolong lactational amenorrhea (postponing the return of monthly bleeding) and help breastfeeding women space pregnancies.
- Continuously releases natural progesterone hormone—like that in a woman’s body—from inside the ring. The hormone passes through the wall of the vagina directly into the bloodstream. This ring does not contain estrogen.
- Use of the ring starts 4 to 9 weeks after giving birth. Each ring is kept in place for 90 days. The woman can then replace it with a new ring immediately. Up to 4 rings can be used, one after another, with no breaks.
- Works by preventing release of an egg from the ovaries (ovulation). Progesterone extends the postpartum amenorrhea of the breastfeeding woman. That is, it delays the return of monthly bleeding.
- Safe and effective option for a woman:
- Who has a baby at least 4 weeks old
- Who is breastfeeding her baby at least 4 times per day and plans to continue breastfeeding
- Whose monthly bleeding has not returned