The PrEP Ring is made of a flexible silicone with the ARV drug dapivirine dispersed uniformly throughout its matrix. The PrEP Ring releases the drug directly in the vagina over the course of a month with low exposure elsewhere in the body, which helps to minimize side effects and reduce the risk of the development of HIV resistance.

If used consistently and correctly, the PrEP Ring has been shown to provide up to 50% protection from HIV during vaginal sex. For full protection the PrEP Ring should be used with male or female condoms.

Yes. A woman can insert the PrEP Ring easily herself and would replace it each month. (Offer to insert the PrEP Ring for the client for the first time)

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The PrEP Ring needs to be kept in place for 28 days and immediately replaced with a new PrEP Ring.

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The PrEP Ring must be in place for at least 24 hours before the ARV can begin to help protect against HIV. However, it is the level of sustained-release over the course of a month that helps reduce risk, which is why it is so important that the PrEP Ring be work for 28 days and replaced monthly.

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The precise period of ‘forgiveness’ cannot be determined. For this reason, it is recommended that the PrEP Rng be kept in place continuously for 28 days until it is replaced with a new PrEP Ring. It is not necessary to remove the PrEP Ring for cleaning or during menses.

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Most women have reported that the PrEP Ring is comfortable and they cannot feel it once it is inserted and left in place.

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There are no safety concerns with long-term use of the PrEP Ring.

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Side effects are generally mild and include urinary tract infections, vaginal discharge or itching, and pelvic or lower abdominal pain, that in most cases resolved without interrupting PrEP Ring use.

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No. The PrEP Ring cannot be pushed up too far or get lost in the body.

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No. The PrEP Ring should not be removed during sex. Keeping the PrEP Ring in place for the full 28 days reduces the chances of HIV transmission during vaginal sex.

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The PrEP Ring should be used in combination with safer sex practices such as male or female condoms. However, simultaneous use of the PrEP Ring and oral PrEP, is not currently recommended as this has not been studied.

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No. The monthly PrEP Ring only protects during vaginal sex. Currently, condoms and oral PrEP are the only
methods available to effectively prevent HIV transmission during anal sex as well as vaginal sex.

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No. Condoms are currently the only product that can prevent HIV as well as other STIs.

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No, the monthly PrEP Ring does not act as a contraceptive in any way.

The PrEP Ring can be used with some forms of contraception, including male or female condoms, IUDs, oral contraception, hormonal injections, and implants. The PrEP Ring should not be used with other contraceptive vaginal rings or diaphragms.

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It is suggested to removed the ring just before the procedure, to allow better visualization of the cervix and to make it easier to do an adequate smear. The ring should be replaced immediately after the procedure.

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Yes. Tampons can be used with the PrEP Ring. The PrEP Ring should be in the vagina before inserting a tampon. Be careful when removing the tampon, in case the PrEP Ring is accidentally pulled out. If this occurs, immediately reinsert the ring.

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No. It is safe to use during your period (menstruation). The PrEP Ring should remain in the vagina during your period to reduce the chances of HIV.

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This is not common, but may happen. If the PrEP Ring falls out, it should be rinsed in clean water and reinserted immediately if possible.

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No. Cleaning the inside of the vagina with soap or other products may cause harm and may affect the ability of the PrEP Ring to reduce the risk of HIV infection.

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• Pain/severe pain in your lower belly.
• A discharge, with unpleasant smell, from your vagina.
• Pain or bleeding during sex.
• Fever, sometimes with chills.
• Pain or diffi culty in emptying your bladder.
• Nausea and vomiting, with an inability to keep food or water down.

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