Following the successful development of long-acting steroid-releasing vaginal ring devices for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and contraception, there is now considerable interest in applying similar devices to the controlled release of microbicides against HIV. In this review article, the vaginal ring concept is first considered within the wider context of the early advances in controlled-release technology, before describing the various types of ring device available today. The remainder of the article highlights the key developments in HIV microbicide-releasing vaginal rings, with a particular focus on the dapivirine ring that is presently in late-stage clinical testing. The concept of controlled drug release from polymeric materials was first established in the s by Judah Folkman when he discovered that exposure of anesthetic gases to the external surface of a silicone rubber arteriovenous shunt containing circulating rabbit blood caused the rabbits to fall asleep. Both were reservoir-type devices fabricated from the thermoplastic polymer poly ethylene-co-vinyl acetate PEVA.
When a woman is sexually aroused, the vagina normally self-lubricates. This makes the overall experience a lot more fun. Intercourse without lubricant can be painful and damage the vaginal lining. Your body may produce less lubricant as a result of hormonal changes, menopause, aging, or medication. You can buy lubricant online or at your local drugstore.
Everything You Need to Know About Vaginal Lubricants
Back to Your contraception guide. Condoms are the only type of contraception that can both prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections STIs. There are two types of condoms: male condoms, worn on the penis; and female condoms, worn inside the vagina.
This weakening allows the uterus, urethra, bladder, or rectum to droop down into the vagina. If the pelvic floor muscles weaken enough, these organs can even protrude out of the vagina. If you do have symptoms, your symptoms will depend on the organ that is prolapsed.