This website has moved to a new location. Please visit our sister website healthexpress.co.uk for next day delivery.
  • Prescription included
  • Genuine medication
  • All-inclusive service - No hidden fees
  • Free next-day delivery
Home / Contraception / Contraceptive Ring

Contraceptive Ring

Get the contraceptive ring with an online prescription

The vaginal contraceptive ring is a relatively new contraceptive option for women who don't want the hassle of taking a pill every day. Similarly to the contraceptive patch, the vaginal ring also releases a slow dose of the synthetic hormones oestrogen and progestogen over time.

It's a small, thin, flexible ring that you insert into your vagina, where it remains for three weeks. After 21 days you need to take the ring out, and it's during the next seven days that you'll have your period. The ring is so effective that it keeps you protected from pregnancy during this week too. Today approximately 1.5 million women use the NuvaRing in 32 countries across the world.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Anand Abbot MRCGP Written by our editorial team Last reviewed 12-03-2024

Available Conditions

Box of 3 sachets of NuvaRing 0.120 mg/0.015 mg ethinylestradiol/etonogestrel
NuvaRing 4.9 (30 Reviews)
  • 99% effective contraceptive
  • Easy to insert
  • No need for daily pills
More Info
 

How does it work?

The NuvaRing works in a similar way to the combined pill. The oestrogen in the NuvaRing stops your ovaries from releasing an egg, and the progestogen thickens the cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach the womb.

The vaginal contraceptive ring is proven to have an effect on the womb lining, but there is no evidence to suggest this helps prevent conception.

How easy is the contraceptive ring to use?

The vaginal contraceptive ring is simple to use. You take the ring out of the foil patch, squeeze it between your thumb and index finger and insert it into your vagina. To remove it, you just hook your finger under the forward rim, or hold it between your index and middle finger, and gently pull it out.

The position of the ring doesn’t matter, because it’ll work well regardless of where you place it inside your vagina. This means you can remove and re-insert it as often as necessary to ensure it’s comfortable.

What are the advantages of using the contraceptive ring?

Perhaps the biggest advantage is that the NuvaRing offers over 99% protection from pregnancy but you only need to use it once a month.

You can insert and remove the ring yourself. Not only is this more convenient, it's also preferred by women who feel uncomfortable visiting their doctor. Being able to remove it yourself is very helpful if you develop severe side effects, because you can just pull it out if you experience a negative reaction. This is unlike most other long-acting reversible contraceptives which either have to be removed by the doctor (IUDs and IUSs), or can't be removed (contraceptive injection) so you're stuck with side effects for weeks or until you can see a doctor.

Most people don't notice the NuvaRing when they have sex. You can remove the NuvaRing when you have sex if you'd prefer, but it can't stay out for longer than three hours or it won't be as effective.

The NuvaRing is proven to improve acne, alleviate menstrual cramps, and offer protection from developing pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts or uterine and ovarian cancers.

What are the disadvantages?

Sometimes the NuvaRing can fall out. The muscles in your body should keep the vaginal contraceptive ring in place, even when you exercise and bathe. If it does fall out, and it’s been out for less than three hours, you can rinse it with lukewarm water and reinsert it. If it’s out any longer, you should rinse it, re-insert it and use another contraceptive for seven days.

If you want to buy a few months’ supply of the vaginal contraceptive ring, you must keep them in the fridge. The contraceptive ring will expire after four months if you don’t store it properly. You should either put your excess supply in the fridge, or buy a three-month supply at a time.

The vaginal contraceptive ring can cause some vaginal discomfort in some women, and is known to cause a range of side effects listed below. The dosage of hormones is highest in the NuvaRing than most other hormonal contraceptives, which means you’re likely to experience more frequent or stronger side effects with this contraceptive option.

What side effects can the contraceptive ring cause?

The NuvaRing can commonly cause abdominal pain, vaginal discomfort, genital itching, reduced libido and weight gain. It can also cause uncommon side effects ranging from disturbed vision, dizziness and mood changes to a swollen abdomen, pain or bleeding during intercourse or when urinating, back pain and muscle spasms.

Is it safe for me to use the vaginal contraceptive ring?

A historic or existing case of certain conditions may make it unsafe for you to use the NuvaRing, including a heart attack or stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart valve or rhythm disorders.

The contraceptive ring is only available with a prescription, which means that a doctor will need to assess your medical history and decide that it's safe for you to use.

Further reading

Which contraceptive pill is best for me?

Which contraceptive pill is best for me?

Reviewed by Dr. Caroline Fontana
How to take contraceptive pills correctly

How to take contraceptive pills correctly

Reviewed by Dr. Caroline Fontana
Is the pull-out method effective?

Is the pull-out method effective?

Reviewed by Dr. Plauto Filho
Can you still use hormonal contraception in your 40s?

Can you still use hormonal contraception in your 40s?

Reviewed by Dr. Plauto Filho
Hormonal contraception and the risk of blood clots

Hormonal contraception and the risk of blood clots

Reviewed by Dr. Plauto Filho
What if I miss a pill?

What if I miss a pill?

Reviewed by Dr. Plauto Filho
How to start a new contraceptive

How to start a new contraceptive

Reviewed by Dr. Plauto Filho
Contraceptive effectiveness - The 4 Reasons Contraception Fails

Contraceptive effectiveness - The 4 Reasons Contraception...

Reviewed by Dr. Plauto Filho
What contraceptive to use after birth?

What contraception to use after giving birth?

Reviewed by Dr. Plauto Filho
How to correctly store medications

How to correctly store medications

Reviewed by Dr. Caroline Fontana
The best contraceptive pill & how to find it

The best contraceptive pill & how to find it

Reviewed by Dr. Plauto Filho
Acne: How effective is the contraceptive pill?

Acne: How effective is the contraceptive pill?

Reviewed by Dr. Caroline Fontana
More articles
  • Select
    medication

  • Fill out a short
    medical form

  • Doctor issues
    prescription

  • Medication sent
    from pharmacy