NuvaRing

"The Ring"

General Information

The NuvaRing is a thin, transparent, flexible vaginal ring that provides a month of contraceptive protection.  The ring is inserted into the vagina for 3 weeks where it slowly releases estrogen and progestin hormones into the body.  These hormones stop ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, creating a barrier to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg.  The NuvaRing is 99% effective (this may be slightly decreased if your body weight is over 198 pounds).  The ring does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.  Antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and St. John's Wort may decrease the ring’s effectiveness.

As well as protecting against pregnancy the ring can decrease and regulate menstrual cramps and bleeding, decrease risk of acute gonorrhea infection in the tubes, cancer of the uterus or ovary, benign breast tumors and/or ovarian cysts, and can improve acne.

View the company website for more information: http://www.nuvaring.com 

Starting NuvaRing

If you have not been using hormonal birth control:

• Insert ring within 5 days of next period (even if still bleeding) use back-up for 1 week.

If you have been using a different hormonal method:

• Talk with clinician about when to insert ring & how long to use a back-up method. To prevent pregnancy, it is very important to consult a clinician.

Following a first trimester abortion or miscarriage:

• Insert the ring within 5 days following a complete miscarriage/abortion. 
• Use a back-up birth control method for the first month. 

Following full-term pregnancy and delivery:

• Insert the ring 4 weeks after delivery & use back-up method for 1 week (do not use if breastfeeding) 

Inserting NuvaRing

• Wash hands. Remove ring from its foil pouch (save for disposal of ring).
• Sit with knees apart, stand with one leg raised, or lie on back with knees spread.
• Press opposite sides of ring together and push folded ring into your vagina.
• The exact position of the NuvaRing isn’t important for it to work. Some women are aware of the ring but most do not feel it once it’s in place.
• If it feels uncomfortable, the ring may not be inserted back far enough. Use your finger to push it farther in. Do not worry about pushing into the vagina too far.
• Keep NuvaRing in place for 3 weeks.

Removing NuvaRing

• Remove the ring exactly 3 weeks after insertion (i.e. on the same day of the week it was inserted).
• Remove the ring by hooking your index finger under the forward rim or hold the rim and pull.
• Place the used ring in the resealable foil pouch and properly dispose of it out of the reach of children and pets.  Do not discard in toilet. 
• Your period will usually start 2 to 3 days after the ring is removed.
• To continue to have contraceptive protection, you must insert a new ring one week after the last one was removed, even if your menstrual period has not stopped.
• NuvaRings should be stored at room temperature, no more than 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and away from direct sunlight. 

Possible Concerns

If the ring has slipped out:

• If it’s been out less than three hours, rinse NuvaRing with warm water and re-insert as soon as possible.

• If the ring has been out for more than three hours, rinse with warm water and re-insert as soon as possible.  Use a back-up method for 1 week.

If NuvaRing has been in the vagina too long, contraceptive protection may be compromised.

• If it’s been in for an extra week or less, remove it and insert a new ring after one ring-free week. 
• If it’s been left in place for more than four weeks, take a pregnancy test. If test is negative, insert a new ring after one ring-free week.  Use back-up for 1 week.

Take A Pregnancy Test If…

• You miss a period and your ring was out for more than three hours anytime during the three weeks of ring use,
• You miss a period and you waited longer than one week to insert a new ring, or
• You have missed two periods in a row, and have followed instructions correctly.

Side Effects

As the body adjusts to hormonal changes from the vaginal ring, women may experience some minor side effects, including:

Vaginal discharge and irritation                   Headache                         Mood Changes   

Weight gain or loss                                     Nausea

Irregular bleeding                                       Breast tenderness

Serious side effects that occur occasionally and more often in women over 35 who are heavy smokers:

Blood clotting of the leg or lung                                              Stroke    

Gallbladder disease                                                                Liver tumor                      

Heart attack                                                                          Death

Danger Signs

Call Mabel Wadsworth Center if you experience any of the following ACHES:

• Abdominal pains (severe)
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Headaches (severe)
• Eye problems, such as blurred vision
• Severe leg or arm pain or numbness

Always inform any medical provider that you have a NuvaRing. 

Call Mabel Wadsworth Women's Health Center if you have any questions about your ring.     

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