Vaginal ring: birth control

What is a vaginal ring?

A vaginal ring is a thin, plastic ring that contains two hormones (estrogen and progestin) that you put inside your vagina. It slowly releases the hormones.

How does a vaginal ring work?

A vaginal ring prevents the ovary from releasing an egg. It also thickens the cervical mucus making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.

How effective is a vaginal ring?

A vaginal ring is 98 to 99% effective at preventing an unplanned pregnancy when used correctly.

What are the possible side effects of a vaginal ring?

• nausea
• vaginal irritation
• breast tenderness
• moodiness
• spotting between periods
• if you smoke, the ring increases your risk of a blood clots, heart attack and stroke

What are the advantages of a vaginal ring?

• You don’t have to do anything before or after sex.
• You only have to change the ring once a month.
• You can have lighter and shorter periods.
• Your menstrual cramps are reduced.
• You can get pregnant in the future, when you choose (it has no lasting effect).

What are the disadvantages of a vaginal ring?

• You must be comfortable putting the ring inside your vagina.
• You need a prescription.

Where can you get a vaginal ring?

You can get a prescription for a vaginal ring through:

• your health care provider
• Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Sexual Health Clinic
• a walk-in-clinic

*The vaginal ring offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS.

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This item was last modified on July 30, 2021