THE VAGINAL

RING

PROS

• Easy to useexpand_less

  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.

• Effectiveexpand_more

  Is 91% effective at preventing pregnancy with typical use.

• Periodsexpand_more

  Periods may become lighter.

• Reversibleexpand_more

  Upon discontinuation of use, fertility should return to normal.

• Doesn’t interrupt sexexpand_more

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

• Administrationexpand_more

  Self-administered.

CONS

• User dependentexpand_less

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

• Periodsexpand_more

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

• Short-actingexpand_more

  You need to insert it monthly.

• Contains hormonesexpand_more

  Some women prefer hormone free options.

• Breastfeedingexpand_more

  Cannot be used when breastfeeding.

• STIsexpand_more

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

• Weight gainexpand_more

  It may cause weight gain.

• Breast tendernessexpand_more

  It may cause breast tenderness.

• Moodexpand_more

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

• WILL THE VAGINAL RING AFFECT MY PERIODS?expand_less

  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?expand_more

  The vaginal ring can cause weight gain.

• CAN THE VAGINAL RING CAUSE MOOD SWINGS?expand_more

  The vaginal ring can cause mood changes.

• DOES THE VAGINAL RING AFFECT ACNE?expand_more

  Acne can be a side effect of the vaginal ring.

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

  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.