You'll be protected against pregnancy straight away if you insert it in the first 5 days of your period (the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle). For more information on the different options talk to a GP or nurse. This is as safe and effective as the standard use. You can also choose to have a shorter ring-free break or not to have a break at all. After the 7-day break you then put a new ring in for another 21 days. You're protected against pregnancy during the ring-free break. The standard way to use the ring is you leave it in for 21 days, then remove it and have a 7-day ring-free break. You can start using the vaginal ring at any time during your menstrual cycle if you're not pregnant. It also thickens the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to move through the cervix, and thins the lining of the womb so a fertilised egg is less likely to implant itself. The ring steadily releases the hormones oestrogen and progestogen into your bloodstream, which prevents the release of an egg each month.

It doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so you may need to use condoms as well.

The ring can sometimes come out on its own, but you can rinse it in cold or warm water and put it back in as soon as possible.

A few women develop a blood clot when using the ring, but this is rare.

Some women have temporary side effects, including more vaginal discharge, breast tenderness and headaches.

The ring may ease premenstrual symptoms, and bleeding will probably be lighter and less painful.

Unlike the pill, the ring still works if you have sickness (vomiting) or diarrhoea.

You can continue to have sex when the ring is in place.

One ring provides contraception for a month, so you don't have to think about it every day.

If used correctly, the vaginal ring is more than 99% effective.At a glance: facts about the vaginal ring

Birth control ring