THE BIRTH CONTROL RING
An all-round* birth control option. *Like a circle is round.
RINGING TRUE
The birth control ring looks simple and functional, but there’s more to it than that. It's made from a soft, flexible plastic and, once placed, it slowly releases a progestin and estrogen into the body. The hormones stop the ovaries from releasing eggs, and thicken the cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to move. You wear it for three weeks then you remove it, take a week off, and then put a new ring in.
The ring sits up against your vaginal wall, so putting it in is just the same as placing a tampon. After washing your hands you simply squeeze it and push it inside your vagina until it's sitting against the side of your vaginal wall. Once it is comfortably in position, that's it for three weeks. At the end of three weeks you take it out and have a week off – in this week your period should start. Then after a week of not wearing the ring, you simply start the routine again.
You should use another form of birth control if the ring falls out and stays out for more than three hours before you refit it. Once the ring has been in place for seven consecutive days, it is effective again. If the ring falls out and is out for less than three hours, simply refit it and continue as normal. If you're unsure about how to properly use the ring, consult your doctor or nurse.
HOW IT MEASURES UP
HORMONES
Yes. The ring releases a low dose of progestin and estrogen.
EASE OF USE
The ring needs to be left in place in the vagina for three weeks. After three weeks of use, the ring is removed for seven days before being replaced at the start of another four-week cycle.
YOUR PERIOD
The ring may cause temporary irregular bleeding, and some birth control rings can stop periods altogether.
What do I do if the ring falls out?
The ring can slip or accidentally come out of the vagina during sexual intercourse, when removing a tampon, or during bowel movements. If the ring falls out, it should be rinsed with water and replaced as soon as possible. If it has been out of the vagina for fewer than three hours, you should still be protected against pregnancy. If it has been out for more than three hours, another method of birth control, such as external condoms, should be used for the next seven days. The ring must stay in for at least seven days after being out for longer than three hours; this may mean that you wear it for more than 21 days in total that month. Following this, a ring-free one-week interval can occur before the next ring is placed. Please read the Patient Information Leaflet for further information.
What if I forget to take the ring out?
If you leave the ring in your vagina for up to four weeks, you will be protected from pregnancy. Remove the ring immediately, and replace it with a new ring straight away or after seven days. If you leave the ring in your vagina for longer than four weeks, remove it immediately and use a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Then, replace it with a new ring and use another method of birth control, such as external condoms, for the next seven days. In this case you may experience irregular periods. If you are still worried, speak with your doctor or nurse immediately.
Will my partner or I feel the ring during sex?
During sexual intercourse, your partner may feel the ring in the vagina.
Can the ring get lost inside me?
No. Once placed in the vagina, there is no risk of the ring being pushed too far up or getting lost. However, if you experience pain during or after placing the ring, or if you cannot find it in your vagina, consult your doctor or nurse immediately.
Can I use tampons and the ring at the same time?
Using tampons will not reduce the birth control efficacy of the ring. Position the ring before you place a tampon, and pay particular attention when removing a tampon to make sure you don't accidentally pull the ring out. If this should occur, simply rinse the ring with water and immediately re-position it.
Is a vaginal ring the same thing as the birth control ring?
Yes, they’re the same. There are different versions, but they all release hormones into your body that prevent pregnancy.
Does the birth control ring cause weight gain?
Use of birth control rings can cause weight gain in some people. The amount of weight gained varies by individual.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Start preparing for the next appointment with your doctor or nurse today!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
OVER
50 YEARS3
Since scientists started researching and developing this method.3
3
WEEKS
The amount of time the ring is worn during one cycle.
ONLY
1%...
Chance of pregnancy when used perfectly.
PROS
- Fairly effective in preventing pregnancy with typical use.
- Self-administered – you can easily fit and remove it yourself.4
- Allows spontaneous sex and does not interrupt it.4
CONS
- No protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).5
- May not be the right option if you are uncomfortable with fitting and removing it from your vagina.4,5
- Monthly routine is needed for it to work well.5
References
- Planned parenthood. How effective is the birth control ring? https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-vaginal-ring-nuvaring/how-effective-birth-control-ring [Accessed March 2023]. Return to content
- NHS. How effective is contraception at preventing pregnancy? https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/how-effective-contraception/ [Accessed April 2023]. Return to content
- Brache V, Faundes A. Contraception 2010; 82(5):418-27. Return to content
- 4. NHS. Vaginal ring. Your contraception guide. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/vaginal-ring/#:~:text=The%20ring%20may%20ease%20premenstrual,ring%2C%20but%20this%20is%20rare. [Accessed April 2023]. MSI. The combined vaginal ring: everything you need to know https://www.msichoices.org.uk/other-services/short-acting-contraception/the-combined-vaginal-ring/ [Accessed April 2023]. Return to content
Is It Okay?
CONSIDER THIS
If you’re concerned that your ring may fall out or has fallen out for more than three hours, you should consult your doctor or nurse and read your Patient Information Leaflet. In the meantime, consider using another form of contraception such as a condom.
