What should you know about hormone ring contraceptive?

You place the ring inside the vagina, where it releases combined contraceptive hormones. It does not need to sit in a precise position to work, and you should not normally feel it once it is in place. A usual schedule involves wearing one ring for three weeks followed by a ring-free week, but product instructions can differ. The ring does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Some people notice changes in bleeding, nausea, breast tenderness, headache or mood.

Wash your hands before insertion and removal, check the ring schedule and keep a reminder for replacement. If the ring comes out, follow the product instructions for how long it was out and whether backup contraception is needed. Vomiting does not remove hormones from a vaginal ring, but medicines that interact with hormonal contraception may affect advice. A combined pill is another hormone-based option to compare with a clinician.

Get urgent medical help for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing blood, sudden weakness, trouble speaking, a severe new headache, or a painful swollen leg. Contact a clinician for persistent troublesome bleeding, severe abdominal pain, suspected pregnancy, or if the ring cannot be removed. Before starting, discuss migraine with neurological symptoms, clot history, smoking, blood pressure and other health conditions.

Is a combined vaginal ring suitable for me? When should I start it, what should I do if it slips out, and do I need backup contraception? Which medicines or health changes should I report?