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NuvaRing, or “the Ring” contains the same two hormones, estrogen and progestin, as birth control pills. It is a 5.4 cm (2 inches) diameter flexible ring. It is inserted in to the vagina, and left in place for 3 weeks (or 1 month) and then removed for a week to allow a withdrawal bleed (a period). It is recommended that you do not remove your ring during intercourse, however if it must be removed, it should be replaced in the vagina within 3 hours. “The Ring” prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation (release of an egg) and by making the lining of the uterus thinner. Among typical couples who initiate use of “the Ring”, about 8% will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. This is because sometimes “the Ring” is not used correctly. If “the Ring” is used consistently and correctly, less than 1% of women will become pregnant. A second form of contraception (backup method) should be used for the first 7 days of your first ring placement. Complete information about this contraceptive is available from your clinician or the package insert accompanying the NuvaRing. Also, you may visit www.nuvaring.com
- No daily fluctuation of hormone levels.
- Option for women who have trouble remembering to take pills every day, because “the Ring” only needs to be changed once per month.
- Privacy is increased because there is no visible patch or pill package.
- Reduces menstrual blood loss and the risk for anemia, and decreases menstrual cramping and pain just like combined pills.
- Menstrual cycles are regulated by “the Ring”, and risk of irregular bleeding (spotting) is low in women using it even during the first month of use.
- Many women enjoy sex more when using “the Ring” because they know they are less likely to get pregnant.
- A woman may do normal activities while using “the Ring”, including have sexual intercourse. Most women and their partners do not feel it during sex.
- No data yet, but probably decreases a woman's risk for cancer of the ovary and cancer of the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer) as does the pill.
- “The Ring” does not protect you from HIV or other infections. Use a condom if you may be at risk.
- You have to remember to remove and replace your Ring every month.
- Some women dislike placing/removing objects into/out of the vagina.
- May be felt during intercourse by the woman or her partner.
- It can be accidentally pulled out by a tampon. If removed, just rinse the ring if necessary and reinsert into the vagina as soon as possible.
- Some women using “the Ring” may experience side effects such as headaches, nausea, mood changes, and vaginal discomfort.
- Serious complications such as blood clots may occur but are very rare.
- “The Ring” requires a prescription and can be expensive.
In the United States “the Ring” requires a prescription. You can get “the Ring” from your doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, health department, or family planning clinic.
For 72 hours AFTER unprotected sex, you can take emergency
contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant. For up to 7 days AFTER
unprotected sex, you can have an IUD
put in. Not all clinicians know about emergency contraception. If you want
more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you
who prescribe emergency contraception, CALL the toll-free hotline 1-888-NOT-2-LATE
or 1-800-584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free.
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medication methods
foam
the pill
mini pill
the patch
the ring
depo provera shot
spermicides
emergency pills
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