Learning About Birth Control: The Vaginal Ring

What is the vaginal ring?

The vaginal ring is used to prevent pregnancy. It's a soft plastic ring that you put into your vagina.

The ring releases a regular dose of the hormones estrogen and progestin. These hormones prevent pregnancy in three ways. They thicken the mucus in the cervix. This makes it hard for sperm to travel into the uterus. They thin the lining of the uterus, which makes it harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. The hormones also can stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation).

The ring protects against pregnancy for 1 month at a time. You wear one ring for 3 weeks in a row and then go without a ring for 1 week. During this week, you have your period. Your period may be very light. Or you may use the ring continuously. This means you don't take the ring out for a week each month. With this method, you won't have your period.

How well does the vaginal ring work?

In the first year of use:

• When the ring is used exactly as directed, it is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. That means that fewer than 1 out of 100 people will have an unplanned pregnancy.
• When the ring is not used exactly as directed, it is 93% effective at preventing pregnancy. That means that 7 out of 100 people will have an unplanned pregnancy.

What should you think about when using the vaginal ring?

Some pros of using the ring

• The ring is more effective at preventing pregnancy than barrier methods of birth control, such as the condom or diaphragm.
• It may reduce acne, heavy bleeding and cramping, and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
• The ring is convenient. You insert it only 1 time each month. You don't have to interrupt sex to protect against pregnancy.
• The ring may also be used continuously, without taking it out for a week each month. This protects against pregnancy and is also a safe way to avoid having your period. This may help if you have painful periods.

Some cons of using the ring

• The ring doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as herpes or HIV/AIDS. You can use a condom to reduce your risk of getting an STI.
• The ring may cause changes in your period. You may have little bleeding, skipped periods, or spotting. If you're using the ring continuously, without taking it out for a week, you won't have periods. But you may still have breakthrough bleeding. This usually isn't harmful, and it may decrease over time.
• It may cause mood changes or less interest in sex.
• The ring contains estrogen. It may not be right for you if you have certain health problems or concerns.
• You must remember to change the ring on schedule.