Risks

About 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant in a typical year of using a vaginal ring. The vaginal ring doesn't offer protection from sexually transmitted infections.

Vaginal rings are generally very well-tolerated, but possible side effects include:

• Breakthrough bleeding or spotting
• Vaginal infection or irritation
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Headache
• Nausea
• Depression
• Decreased sex drive
• Breast tenderness
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• An increased risk of blood-clotting problems, heart attack, stroke, liver cancer, gallbladder disease and toxic shock syndrome

Call your health care provider right away if you have:

• Leg pain that doesn't go away
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Severe pain or pressure in your chest
• Sudden, severe headache unlike your usual headaches
• Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, or trouble speaking
• Foul vaginal odor or vaginal itching
• Two missed periods or other possible signs of pregnancy