So far, the medical community has not yet fully determined the contraceptive principle of the uterine ring, but it is believed that it can cause changes in the intrauterine environment, affect the activity of sperm and the speed of egg peristalsis in the fallopian tube, and prevent the fertilized egg from implanting.
Q: How many types of uterine rings are there?
A: The commonly used uterine rings are made of anti-corrosion plastic, wrapped with copper wire, and the newer ones are added with drugs (such as progesterone hormone).
The shapes and sizes of uterine rings vary, and the contraceptive validity period also varies, generally from five to ten years. Women who use uterine rings must follow the doctor's instructions, have regular follow-up visits and examinations.
Q: How effective is the uterine ring in contraception?
A: According to research data, the chance of accidental pregnancy after using a copper uterine ring in the first year is 0.6-0.8%, while the chance of accidental pregnancy after using a uterine ring that releases progesterone hormone is 0.2%.
Q: What are the advantages of the IUD?
A: The IUD is a long-term contraceptive method. Once worn, it has a contraceptive effect. Therefore, it is very suitable for some couples who need long-term contraception, such as those who are postpartum, older, have enough children, or are unwilling to use other contraceptive methods. During the wearing of the ring, the user does not need to make any special preparations before sexual intercourse, and will not feel the presence of the IUD, so it will not reduce the sexual experience. When the couple decides to have another child, the doctor can remove the IUD and they will have the opportunity to get pregnant again immediately.
Q: Who is not suitable for wearing the IUD?
A: Since the IUD is placed in the uterine cavity, a doctor must perform a physical and pelvic examination before wearing it to determine whether it is suitable for use. Women with abnormal reproductive organs, current pelvic inflammation, severe menstrual pain, heavy menstrual flow, abnormal vaginal bleeding, severe anemia, rheumatic heart disease, or allergic reactions to copper objects are not suitable for using the IUD. Women who have had pelvic inflammation, gonorrhea, and multiple sexual partners in the past should choose contraceptives that can reduce the chance of pelvic inflammation, such as oral contraceptive pills plus condoms.
Q: Do I need to undergo a physical examination before wearing a uterine ring?
A: Before wearing a uterine ring, a doctor must perform a physical and pelvic examination to determine whether there are any problems that make the ring unsuitable, and then choose a suitable uterine ring based on personal circumstances.
Q: Is the placement of a uterine ring an operation?
A: The process of placing a uterine ring is very simple. The doctor first disinfects it, inserts the uterine ring into the uterine cavity through an introducer, then removes the introducer and cuts the nylon thread tied to the uterine ring, and the whole process is completed. When wearing a uterine ring, you will feel slight pain in the lower abdomen. There may also be slight vaginal bleeding a few days after wearing it.
Q: What is the function of the nylon thread at the end of the uterine ring?
A: The uterine rings commonly used now have a thin thread or nylon thread at the end, which hangs from the cervix to the vagina, which is convenient for self-checking the position of the uterine ring and removing the ring in the future. If you cannot feel the thin line of the uterine ring, it means that the uterine ring may have fallen off or moved. You should make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible for examination.
Q: Can the uterine ring be worn at any time?
A: Basically, as long as the patient is sure that she is not pregnant, the doctor can insert the uterine ring. The patient should avoid sexual intercourse from the beginning of menstruation to the time of wearing the ring to ensure that she is not pregnant.
If you plan to wear a uterine ring for contraception after delivery, it is best to wear the ring during the postpartum checkup six to eight weeks after delivery when the doctor thinks it is appropriate.
Q: Does the ring have a contraceptive effect immediately after being worn?
A: The uterine ring has a contraceptive effect once it is placed by the doctor.
Q: Do you need to undergo regular physical examinations after wearing the ring?
A: Even if there are no special problems after wearing the ring, it is best to return to the doctor for routine examinations after two to three cycles.
Q: Under what circumstances should the IUD be removed?
A: There are three main reasons for removing the IUD:
First, the user decides to stop birth control;
Second, the IUD has reached its effective period and needs to be removed. However, if the user decides to continue using this contraceptive method and is considered suitable for continued use after examination by a doctor, another suitable IUD can be worn immediately;
Third, if the user feels unwell, the IUD is displaced, or suffers from pelvic inflammation after wearing the IUD, the IUD should be removed and another effective contraceptive method should be chosen.
Q: Is IUD removal a very complicated operation?
A: Basically, the process of removing the IUD is not complicated and is not an operation. Some people worry that the process of removing the IUD will be painful, but in fact, it will only cause very slight lower abdominal pain and bleeding, just like when wearing it.
If the nylon thread of the IUD cannot be seen during the removal of the IUD, it may mean that the IUD has been displaced. At this time, the position of the IUD must be confirmed by X-ray or ultrasound scan before it can be removed.
Are women who have not had childbearing experience prohibited from wearing a uterine ring?
Generally speaking, women who have had childbearing experience are more likely to adapt to wearing an IUD, but this does not mean that women who have not had childbearing experience cannot use it. This depends entirely on the individual's physical condition and the doctor's opinion.
Q: What are the complications of a uterine ring?
A: Complications of a uterine ring include: partial or complete uterine and/or cervical perforation; pelvic infection; displacement, shedding, damage or breakage of the uterine ring; partial or complete embedding of the uterine ring into the uterine wall. Some of the above complications may affect women's future fertility and may require surgical treatment.
If a woman experiences the following during the wearing of the IUD, please notify the medical staff immediately: delayed menstruation; too little, too much or prolonged bleeding; persistent abdominal pain; fever; abnormal vaginal discharge or fishy odor; inability to touch the copper wire of the uterine ring; feeling that you or your partner touches part of the uterine ring during sexual intercourse, etc.
Q: Is it easier to get pelvic inflammation when wearing a uterine ring?
A: Pelvic inflammation is an inflammation caused by bacterial infection of the pelvic organs. According to research data, women who wear an IUD are more likely to get pelvic inflammation than women who do not wear an IUD 20 days after wearing the IUD. If users feel abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal discharge or foul odor, or fever, etc., they should go to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible, because these may be symptoms of pelvic inflammation. In addition, research data show that women with active infections or multiple sexual partners are more likely to get pelvic inflammation, so it is not advisable to choose to use a uterine ring as a contraceptive method.
Q: Will wearing a uterine ring lead to future infertility?
A: According to research, the rate of pregnancy after removing the IUD is not significantly different from that of those who have never used the IUD.
Q: Does wearing a uterine ring affect menstruation?
A: Generally speaking, women may have longer menstruation and slightly more menstrual flow in the early stage of wearing the IUD. Some women may have a small amount of vaginal bleeding in addition to menstruation within a few months after the placement of the uterine ring. If this condition persists or worsens, please make an appointment with a medical staff for a physical examination.
Q: Does the IUD cause abdominal pain?
A: You may experience cramping pain in the lower abdomen or back pain during the placement of the IUD and for a few days afterwards. In addition, the menstrual pain will be more intense than before during the first few menstrual periods. If taking ordinary painkillers still cannot relieve the pain, please make an appointment with a medical staff.
Q: Will the IUD automatically leave the uterus?
A: A few women will expel the IUD after wearing the IUD, especially during menstruation, so every woman who uses the IUD should touch the nylon thread of the IUD in the vagina every month to check whether the IUD is still in place. If you cannot feel the thread, you should see a doctor as soon as possible and undergo a detailed physical examination. As for the situation where the IUD penetrates the uterus and enters the abdominal cavity during wearing, it is relatively rare.
Q: What should I do if I get pregnant unexpectedly during wearing the IUD?
A: The IUD is very effective in preventing pregnancy, but there is still a chance of about 0.6-0.8% of accidental pregnancy. Therefore, if menstruation is delayed or pregnancy is suspected, you should go back to the doctor for examination to rule out the possibility of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
Q: Does the uterine ring have the function of emergency contraception?
Within five days after sexual intercourse without contraceptive protection, the uterine ring can be inserted into the uterus by professionally trained medical staff to play the role of emergency contraception. This method is very effective, with a failure rate of only 0.09%. Since the uterine ring can be used for long-term regular contraception, women do not need to remove the uterine ring if they are willing and suitable.
