Who Can Use It

Can I use the vaginal ring?

The vaginal ring is not suitable for everyone.

You may not be able to use it if you're living with obesity, or you're aged 35 or over and you smoke.

The ring may not be suitable if you have ever had:

• blood clots, or a family member has had blood clots under the age of 45
• narrowed or blocked arteries, or you've had a stroke
• a heart problem, heart disease, or high blood pressure
• migraines with warning signs called aura
• breast cancer
• gallbladder or bile duct problems
• liver cancer or severe cirrhosis
• diabetes

If you have any of these health conditions, talk to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist about whether it's safe for you to use the vaginal ring.

Using the vaginal ring after giving birth

You can start using the vaginal ring on day 21 after giving birth.

If you choose to start using the ring after this date, you should use another method of contraception, such as condoms, for 7 days after starting the ring.

Avoid using the vaginal ring if you're breastfeeding as it can reduce your milk supply.

Using the vaginal ring after a miscarriage or abortion

If you had a miscarriage or abortion before 24 weeks of pregnancy, you should be able to start using a vaginal ring as soon as you want to.

If you had a miscarriage or abortion after 24 weeks you may be advised to wait 21 days before using a ring. A doctor or pharmacist can give you more information.

A GP, pharmacist, nurse or midwife can give you more advice about what methods of contraception are suitable for you.

Sexual Health Advice

• Sexual Health Advice - Introduction and Overview
• The MenB vaccine that helps protect against gonorrhoea
• Sexual Health - Mpox and its dangers for Gay Men
• What happens when you visit an STI Clinic
• Ejaculation issues are common sexual problems in men
• The Male Menopause for men in their late 40s to early 50s
• Help and care if you have been Sexually Assaulted
• Mental health issues and self-harm are common amongst gay men