Note the day that you insert a new vaginal ring.

Check out alternative methods now available, including a birth control patch and a vaginal ring.

Your period should start during the week you do not wear a vaginal ring.

Avoid leaving the vaginal ring in place for longer than 3 weeks.

Call your doctor if you get off the proper schedule for use and non-use of the vaginal ring.

You insert the vaginal ring yourself and leave it in place for 3 weeks.

For more information, see how to use a vaginal ring.

Are there advantages or risks to the contraceptive vaginal ring?

If the vaginal ring is used correctly and according to instructions it's over 99 per cent effective.

Worn continuously for three weeks followed by a week off, each vaginal ring provides one month of birth control.