What is the vaginal ring? 

The vaginal ring is a small, flexible plastic ring that you place inside the vagina. It releases hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy. In the UK, the brand name is NuvaRing. 

It contains the same hormones as the combined pill and patch — oestrogen and progestogen — and works in the same way: 

  • It prevents ovulation (stopping the release of an egg) 
  • It thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg 
  • It thins the womb lining, so it’s less likely a fertilised egg could implant 

When used correctly, the vaginal ring is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. 

 

How to use the ring 

  • You wear the ring inside the vagina for 21 days, then remove it for 7 days (this is your ring-free break). 
  • During the ring-free week, you’ll usually have a withdrawal bleed (similar to a period). 
  • After 7 days, you insert a new ring — even if you’re still bleeding. 
  • You don’t need to think about contraception every day. 
  • It’s not affected by vomiting or diarrhoea. 

You insert the ring yourself. It’s held in place by the vaginal muscles, and you shouldn’t be able to feel it during daily activities or sex. 

When the ring starts to work 

  • If you insert the ring on day 1 of your period, you’re protected from pregnancy straight away. 
  • If you insert it within the first 5 days of your cycle, you’re also protected immediately. 
  • If you start it at any other time, use additional contraception (like condoms) for the first 7 days. 

What to do if the ring comes out 

The ring is designed to stay in place for 21 days, but sometimes it can slip out. What to do depends on how long it’s been out: 

If it's been out for less than 3 hours: 

  • Rinse the ring with lukewarm water and reinsert it as soon as possible. 
  • You’re still protected against pregnancy. 

If it's been out for more than 3 hours: 

  • Rinse and reinsert the ring. 
  • Use additional contraception for the next 7 days. 
  • If you’ve had unprotected sex in the last few days, you may need emergency contraception — check with your GP or local sexual health clinic. 

What to do if you forget to insert a new ring 

If your ring-free break is longer than 7 days: 

  • Insert a new ring as soon as you remember. 
  • Use additional contraception (like condoms) for the next 7 days. 
  • If you’ve had sex during the extended ring-free break, you may need emergency contraception. 

Bleeding in the ring-free week 

Some people don’t bleed during their ring-free week — that’s usually not a concern if you’ve used the ring correctly. If you miss two bleeds in a row, take a pregnancy test or speak to your healthcare provider. 

Who can use the vaginal ring 

The ring isn’t suitable for everyone. A healthcare professional will ask about your medical history to check if it’s safe for you. You may not be able to use the ring if you: 

  • Are pregnant or think you might be 
  • Are breastfeeding 
  • Smoke and are 35 or older 
  • Stopped smoking less than a year ago and are over 35 
  • Have certain health conditions or take medications (like some epilepsy drugs, antibiotics, TB or HIV treatments) 

You shouldn’t use the ring if you have or have had: 

  • Blood clots (thrombosis) 
  • Heart problems or high blood pressure 
  • Migraine with aura 
  • Breast cancer 
  • Liver or gallbladder disease 
  • Diabetes with complications, or have had diabetes for over 20 years 

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Vaginal Ring

Advantages Disadvantages
More than 99% effective when used correctly 

Some people may feel the ring during sex (you or a partner) 
Easy to use and doesn’t interrupt sex May cause vaginal irritation or increased discharge
Only needs changing once a month Doesn’t protect against STIs (use condoms for STI protection) 
Not affected by vomiting or diarrhoea  Some people experience side effects at first (headaches, mood changes, breast tenderness) 
Can make periods lighter, more regular, and less painful Spotting and irregular bleeding are common in the first few months
May help with PMS symptoms   
May reduce the risk of certain cancers and ovarian cysts  
   

 

Risks 

Blood clots 

Hormonal contraception slightly increases the risk of blood clots in veins or arteries. Your risk is higher if you: 

  • Smoke 
  • Are very overweight 
  • Are immobile or use a wheelchair 
  • Have severe varicose veins 
  • Have a family history of blood clots before age 45 

Cancer 

There may be a slight increase in the risk of breast and cervical cancer with long-term use. However, it may lower the risk of ovarian, womb, and bowel cancers. 

Talk to your doctor or nurse about the risks and benefits to decide if the ring is right for you. 

Where to get the ring 

Contraception is free on the NHS. When you start using the ring, you’ll usually be given a 3-month supply to see how it suits you. If there are no problems, you can get up to a year’s supply at a time. 

You can get the ring from: 

 

If you’re under 16 

You can still get contraception for free and confidentially. Healthcare professionals won’t tell your parents or carers — as long as they believe you understand your choices and are not at risk. 

They’ll encourage you to speak to a parent or trusted adult, but it’s your decision unless there's a serious concern about your safety. 

Contraception