Abstract

AYUSO RAYA, M. Candelaria et al. "If you use the Ring get on the line": Analysis of the opinions on the use of the Vaginal Contraceptive Ring found on Internet forums. Rev Clin Med Fam [online]. 2009, vol.2, n.6, pp.258-262. ISSN 2386-8201.

Objectives. To learn the opinions on the use of the vaginal contraceptive ring expressed on Internet forums. Study design. Qualitative study. Setting. Community healthcare. Participants. Participants on internet forums related to the use of vaginal rings. Measurements and Results. A search on Google identified forums that referred to the use of the vaginal ring. A total of 85 forums were reviewed, and opinions from 246 participants were selected. The information was then classified and summarised. The most significant advantages pointed out were: easy to use, not easily forgotten, regulates menstrual cycle, doesn’t cause weight gain, its efficacy is not affected by vomiting or diarrhoea, it avoids first pass hepatic metabolism. Amongst the disadvantages pointed out were: feeling that it is going to slip out, some women complained of irregular periods, vaginal irritation, breast tenderness, weight gain, nausea, mood swings, headache, vaginal dryness, nausea, tiredness and drug interactions. Other drawbacks related to the insertion of the ring, how to store it or when it becomes effective, were emphasised. Opinions on how it affected sexual relations ranged from increased libido to a decrease in sexual desire, or the user or user’s partner can feel it during sexual intercourse. Conclusions. The vaginal ring is an easy to use contraceptive method, easy to insert and safe. However there are frequent adverse effects especially local effects.

Keywords : Contraceptive Devices; Female; Personal Satisfaction; Internet.

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