THE VAGINAL

RING

PROS

Easy to use

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It's easy to insert and to remove and only needs to be put in once a month. Each ring lasts 3 weeks, followed by a 1 week break.

Effective

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Is 91% effective at preventing pregnancy with typical use.

Periods

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Periods may become lighter.

Reversible

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Upon discontinuation of use, fertility should return to normal.

Doesn’t interrupt sex

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With the contraceptive ring in place, you don't need to worry about contraception in the moment.

Administration

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Self-administered.

CONS

User dependent

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It needs to be changed monthly and keeping track of the number of weeks it has been in.

Periods

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You can have spotting and bleeding in the first few months. It may cause disrupted periods.

Short-acting

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You need to insert it monthly.

Contains hormones

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Some women prefer hormone free options.

Breastfeeding

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Cannot be used when breastfeeding.

STIs

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Does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Weight gain

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It may cause weight gain.

Breast tenderness

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It may cause breast tenderness.

Mood

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Some women experience mood changes, including mood swings, depression, or depressed mood.

WILL THE VAGINAL RING AFFECT MY PERIODS?

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Bleeds usually become lighter, less painful and more regular. You can have spotting and bleeding in the first few months. The ring can also stop bleeding altogether if you choose not to have a ring-free week.

CAN THE VAGINAL RING CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN?

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The vaginal ring can cause weight gain.

CAN THE VAGINAL RING CAUSE MOOD SWINGS?

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The vaginal ring can cause mood changes.

DOES THE VAGINAL RING AFFECT ACNE?

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Acne can be a side effect of the vaginal ring.

OTHER COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
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• Vaginal infection
• Decreased libido
• Headaches/migraine
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Pelvic pain
• Period pain
• Vaginal discharge
• Genital itching
• Vaginal ring discomfort
RISKS

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A very small number of people using the vaginal ring may develop a blood clot in a vein or an artery. Don't use the ring if you've had a blood clot before.