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What is the vaginal ring?

  • The vaginal ring is a type of contraception you put inside your vagina. It’s made of soft plastic and is around 5cm across.
  • It prevents pregnancy by releasing the hormones oestrogen and progestogen into the blood. This stops the ovaries releasing an egg each month.
  • The vaginal ring is not suitable for everyone.
  • You put the ring inside your vagina and leave it there for 3 weeks.
  • The vaginal ring is 99% effective if you use it correctly all the time. If not used correctly, it's less effective.
  • When you stop using the vaginal ring, your fertility usually returns to previous levels after around 1 to 3 months.
  • You can compare different methods, including how well they work and side effects, when choosing a method of contraception.
Information:

The vaginal ring does not stop you getting or passing on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use a condom every time you have sex to help protect you and your partner against STIs, including HIV.

Page last reviewed: 9 February 2024
Next review due: 9 February 2027