What Is It

• The vaginal ring is a type of contraception you put inside your vagina. It's made of soft plastic and is around 5cm across.
• It prevents pregnancy by releasing the hormones oestrogen and progestogen into the blood. This stops the ovaries releasing an egg each month.
• The vaginal ring is not suitable for everyone.
• You put the ring inside your vagina and leave it there for 3 weeks.
• The vaginal ring is 99% effective if you use it correctly all the time. If not used correctly, it's less effective.
• When you stop using the vaginal ring, your fertility usually returns to previous levels after around 1 to 3 months.
• You can compare different methods, including how well they work and side effects, when choosing a method of contraception.

The vaginal ring does not stop you getting or passing on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Use a condom every time you have sex to help protect you and your partner against STIs, including HIV.

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