Progesterone vaginal ring
Progesterone vaginal ring, also known as progesterone-only vaginal ring, is a form of vaginal ring used for birth control when breastfeeding. Use can begin at four weeks and continue for at least up to a year following childbirth. Failure rates with usual use is about 1.5 per 100 women. It is used within the vagina with one ring lasting three months. The woman is able to place and remove the ring herself. It is sold under the brand names Progering among others.
Side effects include vaginal discharge and pain with urination. It does not appear to be associated with serious side effects. With use menstrual periods often do not resume. It was specifically made for use with breastfeeding as it does not affect milk production. It works by gradually releasing the hormone progesterone.
Progesterone vaginal rings have been approved for medical use since 1998. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the safest and most effective medicines needed in a health system. As of 2014 they are available in a number of South and Central American countries. As of 2016 it is not available in the United States. It was developed by the Population Council.
