What is a vaginal ring, and is it effective?

This is a type of combined hormone contraception (estrogen and progestogen). Like in the combination pill, these hormones will prevent ovulation and also will thicken the cervical mucus. This ring is inserted in the vagina for three weeks and removed for 1 week when there is a withdrawal bleed. The hormones in the vaginal ring prevent ovulation from occurring. According to the NHS, if it is used and placed correctly it is 99% effective as this reduces the risk of forgetting to take a tablet every day.