Vaginal Ring
Vaginal Ring
AKA
Contraceptive Ring, Combined Hormonal Ring
Efficacy
91% typical; 99.7% perfect.
Routine
Every 3 weeks
STI protection
No
Pros
Easy to access, low maintenance, easily reversible, can assist managing period.
Cons
Some user action required, may cause side effects, requires a script.
How does the Ring work?
The Vaginal Ring is a thin band, made out of polyethylene vinyl acetate, and operates on the same combined hormonal composition as The Pill. It contains oestrogen and progestogen. The oestrogen prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg. The progestogen works to thicken the cervical mucous which prevents sperm from getting through into the uterus. Unlike The Pill, however, the Ring is inserted into the vagina and left there for three weeks to slowly release the hormones.
Tip: When replacing your ring, put the old one in its foil wrapper before disposing of it. You’ll be helping out the environment – the foil wrapper helps keep whatever hormones are left in the Ring from getting into the soil and water. Whatever you do though, don’t flush it down the toilet!
How do I use the Vaginal Ring?
Step 1. Check the expiration date on the package of your Ring to make sure it hasn’t expired, before unwrapping it.
Step 2. Wash your hands with soap and water before insertion. Take the ring and squeeze the two sides of it together with one hand. With your other hand gently part the lips of your vulva.
Step 3. Insert the Ring into your vagina, pushing it up to where it feels most comfortable. You’ll know it’s in place if you can’t feel it when you’re walking around.
Step 4. After three weeks, you can remove the Ring and either have a period, or replace it with another Ring immediately to skip your period. To remove the Ring, simply hook your finger through it and gently pull it out of your vagina.
Step 5. You don’t need to remove the Ring for physical activity, going to the toilet, or during sex. It can stay in 24/7, and is designed to stay in all the time. If it bothers you or your partner during sex, it’s okay to adjust it or remove it for the duration of intercourse. If you do remove it during sex, simply rinse it in cool water and replace it as soon as you’re done.
Step 6. If your Ring is outside your vagina for more than 3 hours, you’ll need to use a backup method of contraception until the Ring has been back in place for 7 days.
Step 7. Replacement Rings should be kept at room temperature, out of sunlight, for up to 4 months. After 4 months they need to be stored in the fridge. Always read the instructions on the packaging though for optimal storage advice.
Explore more methods
MALE CONDOM
(Rubber, Prophylactic)
Condoms are a barrier that’s placed on an erect penis to prevent contact with the vulva and vaginal canal.
FEMALE CONDOM
(Femidom)
The female condom wraps the inside of the vaginal canal and covers the vulva, preventing a penis from coming into contact with either.
DIAPHRAGM
(Caya)
A diaphragm is a small cap that sits at the entrance to your cervix and prevents sperm from getting through.
THE PILL
(Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill, Contraceptive Pill)
The pill contains oestrogen and progestogen which work together to prevent ovulation, and to thicken cervical mucous; preventing sperm from getting through.
THE MINI PILL
(Progestogen Only Pill)
The mini pill contains progestogen which prevents pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucous, stopping sperm from getting through into the uterus.
VAGINAL RING
(Contraceptive Ring, Combined Hormonal Ring)
A thin band that contains oestrogen and progestogen which work together to prevent ovulation, preventing sperm from getting through.
IMPLANT
(Rod, Bar, Contraceptive Implant)
A small bar inserted into the upper arm that slowly releases progestogen into your bloodstream; preventing ovulation, and thickening the cervical mucous; preventing sperm from getting through.
INJECTION
(Jab)
A 150mg dose of progestogen hormone, it prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucous which prevents sperm from getting through.
HORMONAL IUD
(Intrauterine System, IUS)
Releases small quantities of progestogen to your reproductive system. This thickens the mucous of your cervix, so sperm can’t get through.
COPPER IUD
(IUD, Non-hormonal IUD, The Coil)
Releases very low levels of copper ions which affect sperm’s ability to move. Also stops fertilised eggs from implanting in the uterine wall.
TUBAL LIGATION
(Getting your tubes tied, Female Sterilisation)
Surgically creating a block so any potential sperm can’t gain passage along the fallopian tubes.
VASECTOMY
(The Snip, Male Sterilisation)
A vasectomy involves cutting and separating the vas deferens, which are the tubes that move sperm from the testicles to the penis.
FERTILITY AWARENESS
(FAM, Rhythm Method, Calendar Method, Period tracking)
A system of monitoring when ovulation occurs and making sure unprotected sex only occurs on days of minimal fertility.
WITHDRAWAL METHOD
(Pull out method, Coitus Interruptus)
The act of withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculating.
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION PILLS
(Morning After Pill)
Works by preventing or delaying ovulation, ensuring any viable sperm will be out of the body by the time an egg is released.