The vaginal ring
How to
how do I use the vaginal ring?
Wash your hands.
Squeeze the ring between your thumb and finger and press the sides of the ring together.
Insert the tip of the folded ring into your vagina.
Gently push it up further into your vagina using your index finger.
Once it’s in, make sure you’re comfortable with its position. It does not need to be in an exact position to work. Unlike a diaphragm or cap, the ring doesn't need to cover the entrance to your womb (the cervix) to work.
Leave it there for 3 weeks then remove, and a week later replace with a new one. You can also choose to have a shorter ring-free break or not to have a break at all. This is as safe and effective as the standard use. For more information on the different options talk to a GP or nurse.
Wash your hands.
Put a finger into your vagina and hook it around the edge of the ring.
Gently pull the ring out.
Put it in the bag provided and throw it in the bin – don't flush it down the toilet.
Once you've taken the ring out, you don't need to put a new one in for 7 days (1 week). This is the ring-free interval. You might have a period-type bleed during this time called a withdrawal bleed. The withdrawal bleed usually starts 2-3 days after removal of the ring and may not have finished completely before you need to put the next ring in.
After 7 days without a ring in, insert a new one. Put the new ring in even if you're still bleeding. Leave this ring in for 3 weeks and then repeat the cycle.
You can have sex and use tampons while the ring is in your vagina. You and your partner may feel the ring during sex, but this isn't harmful.
You can get contraception for free, even if you're under 16, from:
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Contraception clinics
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Sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics
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Some GP surgeries
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Some young people's services
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Not all clinics are able to provide the vaginal ring, so it's worth checking first
You won't be able to get a prescription for more than 4 months' supply at a time because this is its shelf life.
You can be prescribed the ring by your doctor or a nurse.
The contraceptive ring comes in one size. You will usually be given a four-month supply to see how you get on. You only need to return for further supplies and to have your blood pressure checked.
PP-UN-WHC-GB-0080 September 2023
