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Home / Contraception / Contraceptive Ring

How does it work?

The contraceptive ring works in three ways to prevent pregnancy. The oestrogen it contains prevents the process of ovulation so that no egg is released from the ovaries, while the progestogen thickens the cervical mucus to stop the sperm from entering. In addition, it thins the lining of the womb so that in the unlikely event that an egg were fertilised, it would be unable to attach and grow.

How do you use it?

Each ring will be individually packaged and the most effective way of using it is to insert it on the first day of your period. If you start using it at a different point in your cycle, you will not be completely protected against pregnancy until it has been inserted for seven days.

In order to insert it, you should squeeze it between your thumb and index finger so that the shape is vertical rather than circular to insert it into the vagina. Once it has been inserted for 21 days, you should remove it and wait seven days before using a new one. During the seven day break you will experience withdrawal bleeding, which is similar to a period but should be less heavy and painful.

Who can use the contraceptive ring?

Most women between the ages of 18 and 35 will be able to use the vaginal ring as an effective form of contraception, although it is not usually prescribed to women who smoke or are overweight.

Certain medical conditions may also mean you cannot use this form of hormonal contraception. These include migraines and circulation or heart conditions (including a history blood clots, stroke or heart attack). Some medications may also react badly with the active ingredients in it so it's important to mention them during your medical consultation.

What are the side effects?

As with all prescription medication, there is some risk of side effects. These symptoms are usually rare and last only until the body has adjusted to the hormones. They include abdominal pain, genital itching, mood swings, headaches, breast tenderness and nausea. In rare cases the device may dislodge and fall out of the vagina, but it can quickly be reinserted without compromising its effectiveness.

Where can you buy the contraceptive ring?

You can buy this online from 121doc. By completing an online medical consultation you can avoid attending a physical clinic but still ensure the medication is right for you.

After your consultation is complete, a doctor will issue a prescription for the medication once we are satisfied it is the safest and most effective method for you. Your order will be delivered using a free next day delivery service.

View all treatments

  • Review by a qualified doctor
  • Including prescription
  • Next-day delivery included
NuvaRing
3 months
£69.99

FAQs

What is included in the online consultation?
Will a doctor review my consultation?
What happens after I submit my order?
Is the price all-inclusive?
Can I place more than one order at a time?
What are my delivery options?
Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?
How do I know which treatment is best for me?
Is this service discreet?
What is included in the online consultation?

Our consultations include general questions about your health (e.g. blood pressure levels, current and past conditions), as well as specific questions related to your selected treatment. We will also request relevant personal information to complete payment and delivery.

All questions are necessary, and your answers and details will not be shared with any third-parties. Only our doctors have access to your medical information.

Will a doctor review my consultation?

It is a legal and medical requirement that a doctor first reviews all completed consultations. We have a team of in-house doctors and specialists who will ensure your selected treatment is safe for your use. All information is stored securely and confidentially.

Please note, we do not guarantee that our doctors will approve treatment.

What happens after I submit my order?

Your consultation will be sent directly to our medical team, where it will be reviewed by one of our doctors.

If your chosen treatment is deemed suitable for your use, they will issue a prescription. Your prescription is then forwarded to our pharmacy, where your medication will be dispensed and dispatched for courier delivery.

Is the price all-inclusive?

Yes. All 121doc orders include a medical consultation, a prescription and next-day delivery. There are no additional costs. We believe in providing a safe and easy-to-use service.

Can I place more than one order at a time?

Yes. However, certain medications may negatively interact with each other. Our doctors may not approve your order on this basis.

You can place multiple items in one basket, and complete a consultation for all.

If you wish to place a second order for a different medication, you will have to complete a separate consultation.

What are my delivery options?

We offer several delivery options:

  • Next-day delivery
  • UPS Access Point - convenient parcel drop-off and collection near your home or work address
  • Nominated-day delivery - choose the most convenient day for delivery

All these options can be tracked and require a signature on delivery. If you are not available, a friend or relative can sign in your place.

None of these options will incur an additional charge.

Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?

To ensure you are purchasing from a reputable company, you should look to see their country’s regulatory bodies verify them.

In the UK, this is the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).Certificates can be viewed here.

How do I know which treatment is best for me?

Some treatments also offer the 'Advise Me' function. You will be asked questions about your lifestyle and needs, plus medical questions. You will then be presented with the advice of our doctors.

Is this service discreet?

Our patients’ privacy is of utmost importance. All your medical information is securely stored and only viewed by our doctors. We do not share your details with third-parties. We are also regularly inspected by various UK regulatory agencies, such as the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

All orders will only show on invoices, bank statements, etc. as ‘HHC Ltd’.