What to know about the Annovera vaginal ring

It releases oestrogen and a progestogen, mainly stopping ovulation and also changing cervical mucus. It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so condoms may still be needed.

You place the soft ring inside the vagina for three weeks, remove it for one week, then reinsert the same ring. Wash it as directed during the ring-free interval and store it in its case away from extreme temperatures. Its exact position is not critical if it feels comfortable and stays inside.

Spotting, breast tenderness, headache, nausea, or vaginal irritation can occur, particularly after starting. Some medicines and herbal products can reduce hormonal contraceptive protection, while oestrogen-containing contraception may be unsuitable for people with certain clotting, migraine, liver, or cardiovascular histories.

Follow the supplied schedule and set reminders for removal and reinsertion. If the ring comes out, rinse it with mild soap and lukewarm water, then put it back as soon as possible. Check the product instructions or contact a pharmacist or clinician because the need for backup contraception depends on how long it was out and where you were in the cycle.

Before starting, discuss smoking, migraine with aura, previous blood clots, high blood pressure, recent childbirth, breastfeeding, planned surgery, and every medicine or supplement you use. If you prefer a daily combined hormonal option, read about the Combined Pill.

Get urgent medical help for chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, coughing blood, painful swelling in one leg, a sudden severe headache, new weakness, trouble speaking, or sudden vision changes. These can signal a blood clot or another serious problem.

Arrange prompt advice if the ring repeatedly slips out, cannot be removed, causes persistent pain, or you think the schedule was disrupted. Take a pregnancy test and seek clinical guidance if a withdrawal bleed is missed after incorrect use or pregnancy symptoms develop.

Ask whether your medical history makes an oestrogen-containing ring suitable, which medicines could interfere with it, what to do after a schedule mistake, and when another contraceptive method should be used. Also clarify how to clean and store your specific ring and what bleeding changes warrant assessment.