Contraception

Vaginal ring

Alsocontraceptive ringthe ringNuvaRingAnnoverabirth control ring

Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

The vaginal ring is a small, flexible plastic ring placed in the vagina that slowly releases an estrogen and a progestogen to prevent pregnancy.

At a glance

  • The ring is a small, flexible plastic ring that releases an estrogen and a progestogen.
  • The user inserts and removes it themselves.
  • The usual pattern is three weeks in and one week out, though some rings are used continuously.
  • It is more than 99% effective with perfect use and about 91% with typical use.
  • It shares the medical eligibility considerations of the combined pill and does not protect against STIs.

In detail

The user inserts and removes it themselves. The usual pattern is three weeks in and one week out, although some rings are designed for continuous or year-long use. Exact positioning does not matter as long as it feels comfortable.

It is more than 99% effective with perfect use and about 91% with typical use. As a combined hormonal method it shares the same medical eligibility considerations as the combined pill, and it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

In a sentence

  • I like the vaginal ring because I only have to think about it once a month.
  • The nurse said the exact position of the ring doesn't matter as long as it feels comfortable.

Not to be confused with

  • Diaphragm

    A diaphragm is a barrier used only around the time of sex and contains no hormones.

Common questions

Does the vaginal ring have to be in a precise position?

No. Exact positioning does not matter as long as it feels comfortable, because it releases hormones wherever it sits in the vagina.

Is the ring a hormonal method?

Yes. It releases an estrogen and a progestogen, like the combined pill, so the same medical suitability checks apply. A clinician, pharmacist or sexual health service can help with questions about a specific situation.

Related terms

Sources

  1. NHSVaginal ring
  2. Planned ParenthoodBirth Control Vaginal Ring