Powered by Women First Digital

Vaginal Ring

Vaginal Ring
Vaginal Ring

What is a Vaginal Ring?

The Vaginal Ring, which is also known as, the ‘Vaginal Contraceptive Ring’, ‘ Birth Control Ring’ or the NuvaRing, is a small, bendable ring that a woman can insert in the vagina as a form of contraception. It is 4mm thick and has a diameter of 5.5cm.

It is worn for three weeks, then removed for one week, before starting on another cycle.

Vaginal Ring Effectiveness

With perfect use, the vaginal Ring will prevent pregnancy in 99 out of every 100 women. With typical use or the way most people use it, the ring prevents pregnancy in 93 out of 100 women [1].

How does a vaginal ring work?

The contraceptive ring contains estrogen and progestin, similar to the estrogen and progesterone hormones naturally found in a woman’s body. The ring releases the two hormones which are then absorbed through the wall of the vagina directly into the woman’s bloodstream.

The ring prevents pregnancy in two ways: it releases hormones that prevent ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens your cervical mucus to block sperm from getting to the egg. It protects from pregnancy for one month at a time [2].

Types of Vaginal Rings

There are two main types of Contraceptive Vaginal Rings: non-reusable and reusable Rings.

The non-reusable. Vaginal Ring is disposed of after using it for a single cycle. Examples are NuvaRing and EluRyng, which are prescribed for three weeks of usage.

The reusable Vaginal Ring is also used in the same way as the non-reusable one. However, once it is removed, after three weeks, it is washed with mild water and soap, dried, and stored for seven days. After the seven-day break, it is inserted back into the vagina. It has hormones that can be effective for one year, but that does not mean that it should not be removed for the year. After a year, it is disposed of in the same way that we dispose of the non-reusable ring. A good example is the Annovera contraceptive vaginal ring.

What does a vaginal ring look like?

Contraception Quiz

Not sure on the method? - Take our dynamic Contraception Quiz.
When it comes to sex, protection is as important as pleasure. But what should one do to start their safe sex journey? Answer some simple questions and based on the responses, we will recommend the next steps.

Take the quiz
External Condom

Compare with similar Contraceptive Methods

Are you wondering if condoms are better than daily pills? Or if you should opt for a birth control implant? We're here to assist you in making this decision. You can select up to 5 contraceptive methods and compare them side by side to weigh the pros and cons of each.

Give a try to our Contraceptive Tool

In the example below, you'll find similar methods to the one you're currently reading about. Feel free to click on any that catch your interest or revisit our Contraceptive Methods page

Our Monthly Top Articles

Knowledge empowers, and we need empowered adolescents

Knowledge empowers, and we need empowered adolescents

By Poonam Muttreja In village Bairiya in Uttar Pradesh, a once-taboo-topic: sexual and reproductive health was brought out of the shadows through the transformative power of a television series on ...

Vasectomy FAQs

Vasectomy FAQs

Deciding on a vasectomy can bring a whirlwind of questions. That’s why we’ve put together these straightforward FAQs. Whether you’re contemplating the procedure or just curious, w...

Knowledge empowers, and we need empowered adolescents

Knowledge empowers, and we need empowered adolescents

By Poonam Muttreja In village Bairiya in Uttar Pradesh, a once-taboo-topic: sexual and reproductive health was brought out of the shadows through the transformative power of a television series on ...

Vasectomy FAQs

Vasectomy FAQs

Deciding on a vasectomy can bring a whirlwind of questions. That’s why we’ve put together these straightforward FAQs. Whether you’re contemplating the procedure or just curious, w...

Embarrassing sex stories

Embarrassing sex stories

Sex is a natural and pleasurable experience, but it can also be embarrassing or uncomfortable at times. In this article, we will explore some common embarrassing sex situations and provide tips on ...