Heard of the vaginal ring? Find out how this less well-known type of birth control works – including pros and cons and the differences between the NuvaRing and Annovera ring – to see if it might be right for you.
Heard of the vaginal ring? Find out how this less well-known type of birth control works – including pros and cons and the differences between the NuvaRing and Annovera ring – to see if it might be right for you.
“Vaginal ring birth control means you don’t need to remember a pill every day, and it’s something you control,” says Dr Ann Nainan, family doctor and Healthily expert. “It’s a type of contraception that’s perhaps not so well-known, but it’s highly rated by women who use it.”
In the US, research shows that only about 1% of women aged 15 to 49 using contraceptives choose the ring birth control. But in 1 trial, 98% of women who used it said they would recommend it to others. And in another study, women who usually used the combined pill tried the ring instead – and 81% preferred the ring after about 3 months.
The vaginal birth control ring is a small, soft plastic ring that you place inside your vagina. It then steadily releases the hormones estrogen and progestin into your bloodstream.
These hormones prevent pregnancy by:
If it’s used perfectly, the vaginal ring is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
But in real life, women don’t always use it perfectly every time. So with ‘typical use’, it’s about 91% effective – meaning that about 9 in 100 women who use it will become pregnant every year.
The NuvaRing is a brand of birth control ring. It’s flexible, transparent, latex-free and colorless.
You usually keep it in your vagina for 21 days (3 weeks), then take it out and have a 7-day break – during which you’re likely to have a bleed.
After the ring-free week, you insert a new NuvaRing ring and repeat the cycle.
In the UK there’s also a brand called SyreniRing, which contains the same hormones and is used in the same way.
The Annovera ring is the other brand of vaginal ring. It’s also flexible and latex-free, but it’s white rather than transparent.
As with the NuvaRing, you keep it in your vagina for 21 days, then take it out for 7 days. But unlike the NuvaRing, you can use the same Annovera ring for 1 year (13 cycles).
When you remove your Annovera ring, you simply clean it and store it in its case. Then, after 7 ring-free days, you put the same ring back in your vagina, repeating this cycle for a year.
As with any medication, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider about your personal situation, and the potential benefits and risks for you.
But in general, there are lots of potential advantages to using the birth control ring as contraception.
Generally, you can usually use the ring until you’re 50, unless there are medical reasons why you can’t use it.
But you may not be able to use it if you:
“Getting used to using a vaginal ring for birth control can be a different experience for different women,” says Dr Ann. “But there are various ways you can help ensure you get the best effectiveness from it.”
It’s simple to put in a birth control ring, but it might take a bit of practice to learn to do it quickly and easily. “Don’t be put off if you find it unusual at first,” says Dr Ann. “But if you really struggle, talk to your doctor.”
To insert a vaginal ring:
make sure it’s safe to use by checking the expiry date on the package – if the date has already passed, don’t use it
wash your hands with soap and water
take it out of its wrapper or case. If you’re using an Annovera ring, wash it with mild soap and lukewarm water, then dry it with a clean paper towel
squeeze the sides of the ring together with your fingers, then gently push it deep into your vagina
don’t worry too much about the exact placement in your vagina – the general rule is that if you can’t feel it when you’re walking around, it’s in correctly. (Unlike a diaphragm or cap, a ring doesn't need to cover your cervix to work)
if it feels uncomfortable, or you notice it when you move, try pushing it in a little further or moving it with your finger
remember that it can't be in too deep, or get ‘lost’ in your vagina
To take out a vaginal ring:
wash your hands with soap and water
put a finger into your vagina and hook it around the edge of the ring
gently pull it out – this should be painless
if you’re using a NuvaRing, put it in the bag provided and throw it in the trash – don’t flush it down the toilet. If you’re using an Annovera ring, clean it and store it in the case that comes with it
If you make a mistake with using your ring – such as forgetting to put it back in – it’s best to speak to your healthcare provider for advice. The tips below can also help you work out what to do next.
If you forget to reinsert your NuvaRing after your 7-day break:
If you forget to reinsert your Annovera ring after your 7-day break:
If you’ve left your NuvaRing in for more than 21 days:
If you’ve left your Annovera ring in for more than 21 days:
If your NuvaRing falls out:
If your Annovera ring falls out:
Once you’ve started using the ring, if you notice side effects or don’t feel comfortable, discuss this with a doctor. They can give you advice and, if needed, help you consider other birth control methods that might suit you.
If you get any pain or bleeding when you remove your ring, or you can’t pull it out, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
You should also see a doctor if:
For most people, the risk of serious health problems when using the vaginal ring is very small, and any side effects (if you get them) will be mild and temporary. But you should get urgent medical advice or go to your local emergency department if you have any of these symptoms:
“With the NuvaRing, you can choose to have a shorter ring-free break, or skip the break altogether,” explains Dr Ann. “To do this, you simply replace your NuvaRing with a new ring after 3 weeks. It’s safe to use the ring this way, and many women find they don’t have a bleed if they do so. But it’s best to speak to your nurse or doctor first, to check if it’s right for you.”
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.