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Contraception - Management
How should the combined contraceptive vaginal ring be used?
- The woman herself can insert the combined contraceptive vaginal ring. Instruct her to insert one ring vaginally and leave it in the vagina continuously for 3 weeks. She should remove the ring after 3 weeks of use on the same day as the ring was inserted. A new ring is inserted after a 7 day ring-free break, which then starts a new cycle.
- To insert the ring, the woman should find a comfortable position (standing with one leg up, squatting, or lying down). The ring should be compressed and inserted high into the vagina until it feels comfortable — the exact position is not critical for the ring to provide effective contraception.
- Women should be advised to check the presence of the ring regularly.
- The ring may be kept in during tampon use and sexual intercourse (but may be removed for no more than 3 hours if intercourse is uncomfortable with the ring in situ).
- The ring can be removed by hooking the index finger under the ring or grasping it between the index and middle finger.
- The used ring should be discarded by placing it in its sachet and disposing of with normal household waste.
Basis for recommendation
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