What is a vaginal ring?

The vaginal ring contains the hormones estrogen and progestin, but in lower quantities than for example birth control pills. The vaginal ring releases a low dose of the hormones that enter the bloodstream through the vaginal wall and prevent ovulation.

The hormones in the contraceptive ring make the mucus in the cervix stronger, so that the sperm cells cannot enter the uterus. If you choose a vaginal ring, it is necessary for you to have a prescription from your doctor.

How to use the vaginal ring

You put the vaginal ring into the vagina yourself – when the vaginal ring is correctly placed, you should not be able to feel it. If you are in doubt as to whether you are placing your vaginal ring correctly, your doctor can check it for you.

Once the vaginal ring is inserted, it must remain in place for 21 days. After 21 days, you must take out the vaginal ring and take a seven-day break. During the ring-free week, you will have your period. It does not affect the effectiveness of the contraceptive ring if the bleeding starts while the ring is still in the vagina, or if the bleeding only occurs when a new contraceptive ring has been inserted.

How to insert a vaginal ring

• Wash and dry your hands before removing the vaginal ring from the foil package
• The vaginal ring can be put on most easily if you are lying down, standing with one leg raised (e.g. on a chair) or squatting
• Squeeze the vaginal ring together between thumb and forefinger
• Carefully push the pinched vaginal ring up into the vagina. Whether you push it up a long way or a little bit has no effect on the effect of the p-ring. It is impossible to push it too far up. The p-ring can only be pushed up to the top of the vagina, where the cervix prevents it from sliding higher up

How to remove the vaginal ring

You can remove the vaginal ring by bending the index finger under the ring or by grasping the vaginal ring with the index and middle fingers and pulling it out. After use, the vaginal ring must be placed in the foil package in which it was when you got it..

If the vaginal ring is thrown directly into the waste bin without the foil package, it releases an excess amount of hormone, which pollutes the environment.

When does the vaginal ring work?

If you put the contraceptive ring on the first day of your period (the day the bleeding starts), you are protected from that day. If you put it on on the 2nd-5th day, you must use a condom together with the contraceptive ring for seven days if you have intercourse. This only applies to the first vaginal ring. If you have used another type of hormone-based contraception in the cycle before you start using the contraceptive ring, there are other instructions that you will find in the package the ring was in, when you got it..

If after a break you forget to put on a ring for more than one day, you must use a condom for 14 days. The vaginal ring also works for the seven days you take a break.

Advantage

• The vaginal ring is an almost 100% safe contraceptive method
• You only have to think about contraception once a month
• The vaginal ring does not interrupt intercourse
• The effect of the vaginal ring is not affected by diarrhea or vomiting
• The birth control ring delivers smaller doses of hormones than birth control pills. The hormones released by the vaginal ring bypass the gastrointestinal tract. However, the amount of hormone that ends up in the bloodstream is the same as when using birth control pills

Disadvantage

• Mild side effects such as chest tightness, headache, nausea or mood swings may occur
• A few women may experience more serious side effects such as depression or suicidal thoughts
• Irritation in or around the vagina may occur
• Not everyone can use a vaginal ring (see more under "It is not recommended to use a vaginal ring if...")
• The vaginal ring does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV and chlamydia
• Few women or their partners experience feeling the birth control ring during intercourse. If it is too irritating, the vaginal ring can be taken out during intercourse, but REMEMBER that it must only be out for three out of the 24 hours, otherwise it will not work. Before putting the ring back on, rinse it in lukewarm water
• If the ring is taken out for more than three hours, protection is reduced and a condom must be used for seven days

It is not recommended to use a vaginal ring if...

• You are over 35 and smoke
• You have or have had blood clots
• You have a hereditary tendency to blood clots
• You have poorly regulated diabetes
• You have too high blood pressure
• You have or have had breast cancer
• You are severely overweight
• You have difficulty breastfeeding,  so that the milk does not flow easily
• You have a serious liver disease

Always talk to a doctor if you have an illness or otherwise have any questions.