Frequently Asked Questions about the Vaginal Ring

How do I know that I've inserted the ring properly?

As long as the ring is in the vagina and it feels comfortable it has been inserted properly, and it will release the hormones protecting against pregnancy. There is no exact or correct position. If the ring does not feel comfortable you may have to push it a little bit higher.

What happens if it falls out?

The vaginal ring will not easily fall out of the vagina. If it however slips out, simply reinsert if it is necessary, you can wash the ring with cold to lukewarm (not hot) water. However, if the ring has been out of the vagina for more than three hours, you must use an additional method of birth control until the ring has been back in place for 7 days. If the ring falls out you might have to push it a bit higher in the vagina next time.

When should I remove it?

Record the date you inserted the ring on your calendar, then count off 3 weeks. That is the number of days that the ring stays in the vagina in order to protect you against pregnancy. After 3 weeks, you must remove the ring for 1 week. During this week you have your menstrual period. You then insert a new ring and start the contraceptive cycle all over again. For example, when you start the ring on a Wednesday at about 22:00h, the ring should be removed again on the Wednesday 3 weeks later at about 22:00h and again (at about 22:00h a week later) a new ring should be inserted.

Can I re-use the ring?

Absolutely not. After you have used the ring for 3 weeks and removed it for 1 week to make way for a menstrual period, you must insert a new ring. One ring contains one month's worth of combined contraceptive hormones.