The contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing) is a small, squashy plastic ring that fits inside your vagina. It releases artificial versions of hormones called oestrogen and progestogen to stop you getting pregnant.

It is more than 99% effective when used right. That means fewer than 1 in 100 women who use it for contraception will get pregnant in any 1 year.  

The vaginal ring works in 3 ways to prevent pregnancy:

  • stops your ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation)  
  • thickens the mucus in the neck of your womb (the cervix), making it harder for sperm to enter 
  • thins the lining of your womb so that it’s tricky for a fertilised egg to attach there  

You usually wear a vaginal ring for 21 days, then remove it for a 7-day break. You're still protected against pregnancy during this time, and you might have a bleed like a period. You then put a new ring in for the next 21 days.

You can choose to have a shorter ring-free break or not take one at all. This will not affect how the ring works. If it comes out on its own, you just rinse it and put it back in as soon as you can. 

You can have sex and use tampons while you are wearing a contraceptive ring.

You do not need to see your GP or nurse to insert or remove your vaginal ring. It’s something you can do at home. You can always speak to them if you need advice, though.

The vaginal ring might suit you if you do not want to think about your contraception every day or every time you have sex, or prefer not to use a longer-term form of contraception such as the LNG-IUD. 

If you do not smoke, you can use the ring until you are 50. 

Some medicines can interact with the ring or stop it working, so chat to a doctor or nurse about if you are taking medication or are prescribed new medication.  

The ring will not be the right option for you if you: 

  • have a high body mass index (BMI)
  • have high blood pressure
  • are a smoker aged 35 or older
  • have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes with complications, or heart problems
  • have had a blood clot in a vein or artery
  • have had breast cancer in the past 5 years

It can take a few months to return to normal fertility after you stop using a ring. 

Pros: 

  • You only need to think about it about twice a month when you take it out and replace it. 
  • The ring will still work if you’re sick or have diarrhoea (unlike the pill). 
  • It may ease premenstrual symptoms (PMS) and can make your bleeds lighter and less painful.

Cons:

  • It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so you may want to use condoms too. 
  • It can come out if it is not put in properly. 
  • You and your partner might feel the ring during sex.
  • You might get spotting and unexpected bleeding in the first few months.
  • You might get side effects such as headaches, although these do not often last long.
  • It can slightly raise your risk of blood clots, breast cancer and cervical cancer, but this is very rare.

You can get the contraceptive vaginal ring from sexual health clinics, contraception clinics and GP surgeries. Not all clinics or surgeries are able to provide it, so always check first.

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