Vaginal ring

The vaginal ring is a small, flexible plastic ring that you insert into the vagina, where it releases oestrogen and progestogen to prevent pregnancy. You wear it for 3 weeks, take it out for 1 week (during which you'll usually get a withdrawal bleed), then put a new one in. It works the same way as the combined pill — just delivered differently.

• The vaginal ring is a hormonal contraceptive you wear inside the vagina for 3 weeks at a time.
• It contains oestrogen and progestogen — same hormones as the combined pill.
• Over 99% effective with perfect use, about 91% in typical use. [CHECK: current effectiveness figures]
• You insert and remove it yourself — no healthcare professional needed for that part.
• Free on the NHS from GPs, sexual health clinics, and Brook.

[DIAGRAM: Diagram showing how the vaginal ring is inserted and its position inside the vagina]

How to use it

Squeeze the ring between your fingers and insert it into the vagina — it doesn't need to sit in a specific position. The vagina holds it in place. Leave it there for 21 days (3 weeks), then remove it by hooking a finger around it and pulling gently. Have a 7-day ring-free break, during which you'll usually get a withdrawal bleed. After 7 days, insert a new ring. Some people choose to skip the break and insert a new ring straight away to avoid the bleed — this is generally safe. [CHECK: current guidance on continuous ring use]

Why people choose it

The ring is a good option for people who want the same hormones as the combined pill but don't want to remember a daily tablet. You only need to think about it twice a month (putting it in and taking it out). It also delivers hormones at a steadier level than a pill, which some people find causes fewer side effects.

It's discreet — you can't feel it once it's in (most of the time), and partners usually don't notice it during sex. If it does bother you or a partner during sex, it can be removed for up to 3 hours without losing protection.

Who can use it

Like the combined pill, the ring contains oestrogen — so it's not suitable for people with a history of blood clots, certain migraines with aura, or other oestrogen-related risk factors. A GP or nurse will check before prescribing.

Things people get wrong

"It'll get lost inside me." It can't. The vagina is a closed-ended canal — the ring can't go past the cervix.

"It's uncomfortable." Most people can't feel it once it's in. If it's bothering you, it might just need repositioning.

"Partners will feel it during sex." Some do, some don't. If it's an issue, you can take it out for up to 3 hours. Most people find it's not noticeable.

Things people ask about the vaginal ring

Can it fall out?

Rarely, but it can happen — especially during sex or when removing a tampon. If it comes out, rinse it and reinsert within 3 hours and you're still protected.

Does it protect against STIs?

No. Like all hormonal contraception, the ring only prevents pregnancy. Use condoms for STI protection.

Is it messy to insert or remove?

No. It's a quick, clean process — similar in principle to inserting a tampon. You get used to it fast.

Where to get help

• Your GP — can prescribe the ring after a health check.
• Sexual health clinics — can prescribe it, free and confidential.
• Brook — contraception services for under-25s.

The vaginal ring is a small, soft, bendy ring made of plastic. You squeeze it and put it inside your body, between your legs. Once it's in, it slowly releases hormones that stop pregnancy.

You wear it for 3 weeks, then take it out for 1 week. During the week off, you'll usually get some bleeding. Then you put a new ring in and start again.

You put it in and take it out yourself — you don't need a doctor or nurse for that part. Most people can't feel it once it's in place.

It works the same way as the combined pill — it stops the body from releasing an egg. The difference is you don't need to remember a tablet every day. You only think about it twice a month.

It can't get lost inside you. The passage it sits in is closed at the top. If it comes out by accident (which is rare), rinse it and put it back within 3 hours.

It's free on the NHS. Not everyone can use it — some people with certain health conditions need a different type of birth control instead. A doctor or nurse will check with you first.

The ring does not protect against infections passed on through sex. You'd need condoms for that.