Vaginal methods are contraceptives that a woman places in her vagina shortly before sex. There are several vaginal methods:

1) Spermicides, including foaming tablets, melting suppositories, foam, melting film, jelly and cream.
2) Diaphragm, a soft rubber cup that covers the cervix. It is used with spermicidal jelly or cream.
3) Cervical cap, like the diaphragm but smaller in size.

Spermicides work by killing sperm or making sperm unable to move towards the egg. Diaphragms block the sperm from entering the uterus and tubes, so that the sperm could not meet an egg.

Advantages

1. These are safe, controlled by woman controlled.
2. These methods prevent STDs and conditions caused by STDs.
3. It offers contraception when required.
4. No side effects from hormones.
5. No effect on breast milk for breastfeeding mothers.

Disadvantages

1. Spermicide may cause irritation to woman if used several times a day.
2. Spermicide causes local allergic reactions also.

A woman can start using the vaginal methods any time during her monthly cycle and soon after childbirth, abortion or miscarriage.

Another common vaginal method is the vaginal contraceptive ring, also known as the Nuva Ring. Each ring provides continuous protection against pregnancy for up to one month. The Nuva Ring is a small, transparent ring that is inserted into the vagina, near the cervix and worn for three weeks. It releases estrogen and progesterone into the body. The hormones suppress ovulation and thicken cervical mucus. A new vaginal ring needs to be inserted every month. However, the vaginal ring does not protect against any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Benefits of Vaginal Ring

• Decreased PMS symptoms
• Decrease in the appearance of acne
• Protection against pelvic inflammatory disease and etopic pregnancy
• Decreased risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers

Side Effects of the Ring

These contraceptive vaginal rings include the risk of blood clots in the legs, lungs, heart and brain; Stroke; Heart attack; Gallbladder diseases, risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer. Some other common side effects of using vaginal ring is yeast infection, increased vaginal discharge, upper respiratory infection, sinus infection, weight gain, Nausea, Spotting or breakthrough bleeding, headaches and tender breasts.