Side effects and risks of the vaginal ring

Common side effects of the vaginal ring

You may have some side effects when you first start using the vaginal ring.

Bleeding between periods (breakthrough bleeding) or changes to your periods are common in the first few months.

Some people report headaches, feeling sick or having sore breasts. But there is not enough evidence to say whether this is caused by using the ring.

There is a small chance your blood pressure may go up so you will have regular blood pressure tests while using the ring.

For some people the ring improves period pain and other symptoms linked to periods, such as headaches.

There is no evidence that using the ring makes you put on weight or changes your sex drive.

If you have side effects 3 months after starting the ring and they’re a problem for you, a doctor or nurse at a sexual health clinic or GP surgery can discuss this with you.

Risks of the vaginal ring

There are some risks linked to using the vaginal ring. But the chance of getting these is small.

Blood clots

The risk of getting a blood clot is very small and affects up to 1 in 1,000 people using combined hormonal contraception like the vaginal ring.

Your doctor will check if you have certain risk factors before prescribing the ring.

There is a small risk of:

• getting a blood clot in your leg or lung
• a blood clot causing a heart attack
• a blood clot causing a stroke

Cancer

Using the vaginal ring can slightly increase your risk of getting:

• breast cancer
• cervical cancer

But your risk of getting breast cancer and cervical cancer goes back to normal 10 years after you stop using the ring.

Using the vaginal ring can also lower your risk of getting:

• womb (uterus) cancer
• ovarian cancer
• bowel cancer