Contraception - vaginal ring

The vaginal ring is a type of contraception that works in a similar way to the oral contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy. A soft flexible ring is worn inside the vagina for three out of every four weeks. It slowly and steadily releases synthetic forms of the natural hormones oestrogen and progestogen.

The vaginal ring can be a good option if you find it hard remembering to take a pill every day or aren’t comfortable using implants or intrauterine devices (IUDs). If used correctly, it’s 99.7 per cent effective in preventing pregnancy.

In Australia, you can buy the vaginal ring from pharmacies with a doctor’s prescription under the brand name NuvaRing.

Hormones to prevent pregnancy

The vaginal ring works in a similar way to the oral contraceptive pill (known as ‘the pill’). It releases hormones that are absorbed by the body for three weeks, followed by a break for one week. During this week, the ring is taken out and a withdrawal bleed, which is similar to a period, will happen. After this break, a new ring is put in.

The ring sits high up in the vagina and doesn’t need to be put in by a doctor. It shouldn’t be taken out during its three weeks of use. If the ring falls out, it has to be put in again as soon as possible (definitely within three hours) for it to still be effective.

Advantages of a vaginal ring

Advantages of using the vaginal ring include:

• If used correctly, it’s 99.7 per cent effective in preventing pregnancy.
• It’s a good alternative if you find it hard remembering to take a pill every day or aren’t comfortable using implants or IUDs.
• It releases a lower dose of hormones than the pill.
• Compared to the pill, spot bleeding is less likely to happen.
• There isn’t a risk of it not working if you have diarrhoea or vomiting because unlike the pill, the hormones aren’t digested.

Disadvantages of a vaginal ring

Disadvantages of using the vaginal ring include:

• It might cause side effects such as nausea, breast tenderness or soreness, spot bleeding or headaches.
• Serious complications such as deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), heart attacks or strokes can happen (this is the same for women taking the pill).
• It might not be suitable if you’re breastfeeding.
• You shouldn’t use it if you smoke and are aged over 35 years.
• Some medications and natural remedies, including St John’s Wort, can interfere with the effectiveness of the ring.
• It doesn’t protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs).

The vaginal ring isn’t suitable for everyone

You‘ll need to talk to a doctor before you start using the vaginal ring, as it isn’t suitable for all women. You shouldn’t use the vaginal ring if you’ve:

• Ever had deep vein thrombosis
• Had a stroke or heart attack
• Recently had breast cancer
• Have certain liver disorders such as severe hepatitis
• Have vaginal bleeding of an unknown cause
• Have certain types of migraines.

If you forget to put in the vaginal ring

The vaginal ring might not prevent pregnancy if:

• You’re more than 24 hours late putting in the new ring after your period
• Your ring has fallen out and hasn’t been put in again within three hours.

If you forget to put in the ring, do so as soon as you remember and use a back-up form of contraception (such as condoms) for seven days straight. You might need to skip the ring-free break. If you have unprotected sex before the ring is effective again, emergency contraception is available from pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription.

Other types of contraception

There are many types of contraception available in Australia. It’s a good idea to talk about your options with a doctor. The type of contraception you choose will be influenced by your general health, lifestyle and relationships. It’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of each option, and think about your current and future needs.

Protection against STIs

The vaginal ring doesn’t protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs). It’s important to practice safer sex. The best way to reduce the risk of STIs is to use barrier protection such as condoms and dams (a thin piece of latex that covers the anus or vagina during oral sex) with all new sexual partners. Condoms can be used with the vaginal ring when having oral, vaginal or anal sex to help prevent the spread of infections.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Family Planning Victoria Tel. (03) 9257 0100 or 1800 013 952
• Family Planning Victoria’s Youth Action Centre (for people aged under 25 years) Tel. (03) 9660 4700 or 1800 013 952
• Women’s Health Information Centre (WHIC) Tel. (03) 8345 3045
• Melbourne Sexual Health Centre Tel. (03) 9341 6200 or 1800 032 017 or TTY (03) 9347 8619
• Your local community health centre
• A pharmacist.

Things to remember

• The vaginal ring is a type of hormonal contraception that works in a similar way to the oral contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy.
• It can be a good option for women who find it hard remembering to take a pill every day or aren’t comfortable using implants or intrauterine devices.
• It doesn’t protect against sexually transmissible infections (STIs). The best way to reduce the risk of STIs is to use barrier protection such as condoms and dams with all new sexual partners.

You might also be interested in:

• Contraception - choices.
  
• Contraception - condoms for women.
  
• Contraception - diaphragms.
  
• Contraception - emergency contraception.
  
• Contraception - implants and injections.
  
• Contraception - intrauterine devices (IUD).
  
• Contraception - the Billings method.
  
• Contraception - the pill.
  
• Contraception - tubal ligation.
  

Want to know more?

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This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

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Family Planning Victoria

Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last reviewed: November 2011

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The vaginal ring works in a similar way to the oral contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy. It's worn inside the vagina for three out of every four weeks and slowly releases synthetic forms of the natural hormones oestrogen and progestogen. In Australia, it's available with a doctor's prescription under the brand name NuvaRing.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

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