How it works
The ring releases a steady low dose of estrogen and progestogen that is absorbed through the vaginal wall. These hormones stop the ovaries from releasing an egg, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the lining of the uterus.
People who want a combined hormonal method they only need to think about once a month, and who are comfortable using a vaginal device.
How effective is it?
Typical use
93%
In real life about 7 in 100 people get pregnant in a year with typical use.
Perfect use
Over 99%
About 0.3 in 100 when used exactly as directed every time.
See how it ranks against every method in the effectiveness chart.
How to use it
Get a prescription from a doctor, nurse, or sexual health clinic; they will check your blood pressure, weight, and medical history first.
Squeeze the ring and push it into the vagina; the exact position does not matter as long as it feels comfortable.
Leave it in for 3 weeks, then take it out for a 7-day break, when you will usually bleed, and insert a new ring (or, for the US reusable ring, the same ring after cleaning) on the same day of the week.
If you start in the first 5 days of your period you are usually protected straight away; otherwise use condoms for the first 7 days.
If the ring comes out or stays out too long, or you forget to replace it, check your leaflet or ask a pharmacist; you may need extra protection or emergency contraception.
Pros and cons
Advantages
- Only needs attention about once a month, rather than every day.
- Still works if you vomit or have diarrhea.
- Usually makes periods lighter, more regular, and less painful.
- You can put it in and take it out yourself.
- Easy to stop, and fertility returns quickly.
Disadvantages
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs); use condoms as well for that.
- Some people are not comfortable inserting something into the vagina.
- It can occasionally slip out, which may reduce protection.
- Small increased risk of blood clots, and a very small increased risk of stroke and heart attack, like other combined methods.
- Some medicines, such as certain epilepsy, HIV, and tuberculosis drugs, can stop it working properly.
Effect on periods: Bleeding is usually lighter, more regular, and less painful, with a withdrawal bleed in the ring-free week.
Possible side effects
- Increased vaginal discharge or vaginal irritation
- Spotting or breakthrough bleeding, especially at first
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes
Who it may not suit
A clinician checks your medical history before you start. This list is not complete.
May not be suitable if
- You are 35 or older and smoke, or stopped smoking less than a year ago.
- You have migraines with aura.
- You have had a blood clot, or a close family member had one before age 45.
- You have certain heart conditions, high blood pressure, or have had a stroke.
- You have a high BMI (for example 35 or over), have had breast cancer, or have certain liver conditions.
Get medical help if
- You have pain or swelling in one leg, chest pain, or sudden breathlessness or coughing up blood, which can be signs of a blood clot; get urgent help.
- You have a sudden severe headache, problems with vision or speech, or weakness or numbness on one side of the body; call emergency services.
- You have vaginal pain, unusual discharge, or irritation that does not settle.
- You think you might be pregnant or the ring was out and you had sex.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if the vaginal ring falls out?
Rinse it in cool or lukewarm water and put it back in as soon as possible. Whether you need extra protection or emergency contraception depends on how long it was out and where you are in the cycle, so check your leaflet or ask a pharmacist.
Can my partner feel the ring during sex?
Most partners do not notice it, and if they do, it is not usually uncomfortable. Some brands allow you to remove it for a short time during sex, but check your leaflet for the time limit.
Can the ring get lost inside me?
No. The vagina is closed at the top by the cervix, so the ring cannot travel into the uterus or further into the body.
Can I use tampons with the vaginal ring?
Yes, you can use tampons. Take care when removing a tampon not to pull the ring out with it.
Can I skip the ring-free week?
Many clinicians support using rings back to back to skip a bleed, though spotting is more common. Ask a clinician or pharmacist how to do this safely with your type of ring.
Sources
Reviewed 1 November 2026. We link to the guidance itself so you can check it.