The vaginal ring
FAQS
The ring can slip or accidentally come out of your vagina during sexual intercourse, bowel movements, or when removing a tampon. If the ring falls out, it should be rinsed off and replaced as soon as possible. If it has been out for less than three hours, you should still be protected against pregnancy. If it has been out for more than 3 hours, the contraceptive effect may be reduced. Consult the package insert of talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for further instructions.
The ring may break, which can cause the ring to lose its shape. If the ring stays in your vagina, this should not lower the effectiveness at preventing pregnancy. If the vaginal ring breaks and slips out of your vagina, throw the broken ring away and insert a new vaginal ring.
If you leave the contraceptive ring in your vagina for up to 4 weeks (28 days) you will still be protected against pregnancy. Remove your old vaginal ring for 1 week (7 days) and insert a new one 1 week (7 days) later.
If you leave the contraceptive ring in your vagina longer than 4 weeks (28 days), remove the ring immediately, check to make sure you are not pregnant and insert a new ring and use a back-up method of contraception for the next 7 days. You may have irregular bleeding, or no period that month.
You must use another contraceptive method, such as condoms, until the new vaginal ring has been used for 7 days in a row.
Insert the ring as soon as you remember and use a back-up contraceptive method for 7 days. If you have unprotected sex after the ring has been out for more than one week, consider using emergency contraception. You should not have more than 7 days without wearing a ring as this puts you at risk of getting pregnant. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if you are unsure.
PP-UN-WHC-GB-0080 September 2023
