Vaginal ring

The ring is a small, flexible plastic ring that you put into your vagina. You change it yourself, every 3 weeks. Like other combined hormone methods (the pill and the patch) you can use the ring to control when you bleed or use it to try to stop bleeding. But it's not suitable for everyone.

The vaginal ring is not available from the NHS in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

About the ring

Hormones

Contains 2 hormones, oestrogen and progestogen.

Frequency

Wear each ring for 3 weeks (21 days) before changing to a new one.

Effectiveness

Over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy if you use it correctly all the time.

STI protection

No STI protection

Periods

Can give you control over when you have a period, as you will only have a bleed when you have a break from wearing a ring.

More information

Learn about the side effects and risks of the ring, as well as how to use it correctly.

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