# The vaginal ring & the patch

> Same hormones as the combined pill – no daily pill required.

Category: Contraception · 4 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/contraception/ring-and-patch

## Quick answer

- Same hormones as the combined pill, different delivery.
- Ring: 3 weeks in, 1 week out. Patch: weekly for 3 weeks, 1 week off.
- Over 99% perfect use, 91% typical.
- Some medicines can make them less effective.

The ring and the patch both release [Oestrogen](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/oestrogen) and [Progestogen](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/progestogen), just like the combined pill. They’re over 99% effective used perfectly and 91% with [typical use](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/typical-use). Fertility usually returns within 1 to 3 months of stopping.

## The ring

- A soft, flexible ring about 5cm across that you put in your [vagina](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/vagina) – a bit like a tampon
- Leave it in for 21 days, then take a 7-day break
- You shouldn’t be able to feel it, including during sex
- Started on days 1–5 of your period: protected straight away

## The patch

- A 5cm square sticker on clean, dry skin – arm, back, bottom or tummy
- New patch every 7 days for 3 weeks, then a patch-free week
- Not affected by vomiting (unless it comes off)
- Started on days 1–5 of your period: protected straight away

> **Splash says:** pick a “patch day” or “ring day” and log it in Splash. Same day each week (or month) = easy to remember.

> Some medicines affect the ring and patch, including some for epilepsy, TB and HIV, and St John’s wort. Always tell your prescriber what you take.

### When to see a doctor

If a ring falls out, a patch comes off, or you forget to change it, check your leaflet or ask a pharmacist – you may need condoms or emergency contraception. Blood clot warning signs are the same as for the combined pill: one-sided leg pain or swelling, chest pain, breathlessness, or sudden severe headache – get urgent help.

> Only condoms (external and internal) help protect against STIs. Every other method on this page prevents pregnancy only.

## Sources

1. [NHS – What is the vaginal ring?](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/vaginal-ring/what-is-it/)
2. [NHS – How to use the vaginal ring](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/vaginal-ring/how-to-use-it/)
3. [NHS – What is the contraceptive patch?](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/contraceptive-patch/what-is-it/)
4. [NHS – How to use the contraceptive patch](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/contraceptive-patch/how-to-use-it/)

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).