Contraceptive vaginal ring

The contraceptive vaginal ring is a soft, plastic ring which you insert into the vagina by yourself.

It releases the same hormones as the combined pill and patch. The ring is inserted into the vagina and left in continuously for 21 days. You then remove the ring and throw it away, then you can have a seven-day break when you don’t have a ring in place and you have a “withdrawal bleed”. As long as you inserted the ring correctly you will be protected against pregnancy during this week.

Here are some key facts:

• It protects against pregnancy but not sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To protect against STIs you will also need to use a barrier method of contraception such as condoms
• It is typically 91% effective if taken correctly
• It can help if your periods are heavy or painful
• It can help premenstrual symptoms (PMS)
• It can help with acne
• There are things that can affect how effective it is (such as other medications)
• Occasionally some people experience hormonal side effects with hormonal contraception, for most people these will settle after three months of use but seek advice if you are concerned