Description
NuvaRing is a flexible ring about two inches (5.4 cm) in diameter that is inserted into the vagina once a month.
How it Works
The ring slowly releases a combination of contraceptive hormones (estrogen and progesterone). Just like the pill, it mainly prevents ovulation.
Effectiveness
When used correctly, it is 99% effective, like the pill.
Cost
A ring costs $24. Private insurance plans will usually cover the cost, but it is not yet covered by Quebec’s prescription drug insurance plan.
Before starting NuvaRing
A medical exam is required to determine whether you have any medical conditions that could prevent you from using the ring. The contraindications are the same as for the pill.
When should I start using NuvaRing?
It is recommended that you start to use the ring within the first five days of your period. This way, protection against pregnancy is immediate.
You may also start to use NuvaRing at any time during your cycle, in which case, a back-up method of birth control, such as condoms, is necessary for the first seven days.
How do I use the ring?
Once you insert the ring into your vagina, it is kept there for three weeks. On the fourth week, you must remove it for seven days. This is when you will get your period, which will begin two or three days after the ring is removed. After a seven-day break, you must insert a new ring for the next 21 days and so on. If you use it continuously (without break), you can than change it the same day if the month. For example: if the Nuva-Ring is inserted the 5th day of the month, you will change it every 5th day of the month. If ever irregular bleedings occur, read the “Continuously Pill” brochure.
You will be protected against pregnancy, even during the week when you are not using the ring. It is important to insert a new ring after seven days, even if you are still on your period. The ring will than be inserted the same day of the week.
How do I insert it?
Step 1: After washing and drying your hands, remove the ring from its wrapper.
Step 2: Choose a position that is comfortable. You may lie down, squat or stand with one leg raised while bending your knee.
Step 3: Hold the ring between your thumb and index finger and press the sides of the ring together. This will be easy to do, because the ring is very flexible.
Step 4: Gently push the ring deep into your vagina. The exact position of NuvaRing is not important for it to be effective. If you feel any discomfort, the ring probably has not been inserted far enough into the vagina. Use your finger to push it further in: there is no danger of the ring being pushed too far up in the vagina.
How do I remove it?
After 21 days, you must remove the ring for seven days. Hook your index finger under the rim or grasp the ring with your thumb and index finger and pull it out. Throw the ring into the garbage.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects of NuvaRing are nausea, headaches and vaginal secretions, which may increase.
Like the pill, side effects are more common during the first three months of use and generally disappear or lessen after that. If they persist or bother you, continue to use the NuvaRing and contact your doctor. Even with side effects, the ring remains just as effective as long as you follow the instructions for use.
Advantages of NuvaRing
-This method of contraception is very effective and reversible.
-It makes the menstrual cycle regular.
-It reduces the frequency of:
- menstrual pain and bleedingpre-menstrual
- syndrome ovarian cancer and cancer of the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus)
- benign breast tumours ovarian
- cystssalpingitis (infection of the Fallopian tubes)
- ectopic pregnancies (pregnancy in the Fallopian tubes)
- the symptoms of endometriosis
Forgetting to insert a ring
If the ring took off for less than 3 hours: insert the ring as soon as possible. Keep it until the due date to take off.
If you removed the ring for a brief period of time due to discomfort or during intercourse, you should still be protected if you reinsert the ring within three hours after removing it. If the ring has been out of the vagina for more than three hours, reinsert the ring as soon as possible. You will need to use another method of birth control (condom) for seven days and you should check to see whether you need to take an emergency oral contraceptive.
During the first week:
If the ring is withdraw for less than 3 days: insert the ring as soon as possible and kept it until the due date. Use a backup method of contraception, such as a condom if you had sexual relations 5 days earlier and check to see whether you need to take an emergency oral contraceptive.
During the second and third week:
– If the ring is out for less than 3 days: insert the ring as soon as possible. Keep it until the due date. Start a new cycle with a new ring without break period. You will not have your period that month.
– If the ring is out for more than 3 days: insert the ring as soon as possible. Keep it until the due date. Start a new cycle with a new ring without break period. A supplementary contraceptive method will be needed (i.e. condom) for a week. An emergency oral pill is recommended if you had sexual relations in the past 5 days. You will not have your period that month.
Complications
Like with oral contraceptives (the pill), complications are very rare and mainly occur in women with health problems or women who smoke.
These complications are:
- severe chest pain with difficulty breathingsevere
- headachesserious
- vision problems (sudden decrease or loss of vision)
- serious pain in the thigh or calf and/or swelling in the legs
- persistent numbness and/or weakness on one side of the body
In any of the above cases, consult with a physician immediately.
Special Situations
If NuvaRing slips out of the vagina: The ring should be rinsed with cool to lukewarm (never hot) water and reinserted immediately. This is rare because the muscles of your vagina help to keep the ring in place.
Partner discomfort: Your partner may feel the ring during sexual intercourse. If this discomfort is significant, you may remove the ring for up to three hours a day without decreasing its effectiveness. Remember to reinsert the ring after rinsing it with cold or lukewarm water.
NuvaRing and antibiotics: The ring’s effectiveness should not be diminished.
NuvaRing and pregnancy: Pregnancy becomes possible as soon as you stop using the ring. There may be a delay of a few months before your cycles return to normal. Your fertility remains the same, regardless of how many years you use NuvaRing.
NuvaRing and perimenopause: Women in good health who do not smoke can use the ring until menopause.
NuvaRing and surgery: If you need to undergo surgery that requires immobilization, tell your surgeon that you are using NuvaRing.
NuvaRing and smoking: Smoking increases the risk of heart disease in women who are on the pill. The same risk exists for women who use NuvaRing. The risk increases with age. Why not use this opportunity to stop smoking now?
NuvaRing, STDs and HIV (AIDS): The ring does not offer any protection against sexually transmitted diseases. You must use a condom if you are at risk of contracting an STD.
Certain portions of this text and the illustration have been taken from documents provided by Organon.
Last update : July 2014