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There are plenty of birth control options, but if you’re looking for an effective, easy-to-use method, NuvaRing could be the hormonal contraceptive to rule them all.
What is NuvaRing?
NuvaRing—also known as the birth control ring or the vaginal ring—is a squishy, donut-shaped device made of latex-free plastic, about 2 inches in diameter. Once inserted into the vagina, this prescription-only birth control steadily releases a low dose of estrogen (ethinyl estradiol) and progestin (etonogestrel). Manufactured by Merck & Co., and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), NuvaRing is as effective as birth control pills or the patch, and you only have to worry about putting in a new ring once a month.
How does NuvaRing work?
NuvaRing stops ovulation, thins the uterine lining, and thickens cervical mucus to head contraception off at the pass. After your initial visit with your healthcare provider, you’ll be able to insert and remove the vaginal ring by yourself at home. With the option of telehealth, you might be able to skip the office visit entirely.
If you wear your birth control ring for three weeks at a time, you will menstruate for approximately seven days as per usual. Or if you wear it all month long, you will skip your periods altogether. Ask your healthcare provider how you should use NuvaRing.
NuvaRing doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so you’ll need to use condoms to protect against STIs.
How to use NuvaRing
NuvaRing is stored in the refrigerator at your pharmacy. Once it leaves the pharmacy, NuvaRing can be stored at room temperature and away from direct sunlight or heat. It expires after four months, so check the package before inserting.
When ready to use, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. Once your hands are dry, remove the ring from its package and squeeze the sides together before gently inserting it like a tampon.
You may be aware of your birth control ring, but it shouldn’t hurt; ideally, you won’t feel it at all. You can use pads, tampons, or a menstrual cup at the same time. You may accidentally remove the ring when you’re changing your tampon or emptying your cup; simply rinse it off with cool or lukewarm water and reinsert it as soon as possible (within three hours). If the ring breaks, you’ll need to discard it (see directions below) and replace it with a new ring.
If you begin using the vaginal ring within the first five days of your period, it will begin working immediately. However, if you insert it on any other day of your cycle, you’ll need to use a backup method like condoms for the first week after.
NuvaRing is designed to be worn 24/7, including during sex and exercise. Some partners may feel it in your vagina, but most don’t find this to be a problem; you don’t have to take it out beforehand.
If you do remove it for any reason, rinse it and reinsert it as soon as possible. Don’t leave your NuvaRing out for more than three hours.
How to remove it
When it’s time to take out your ring, wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Then, hook your index finger around the side of it and gently pull it out of your vagina, then wrap it in the resealable foil wrapper and discard it in the trash. Don’t flush it! And, of course, keep it away from pets and children. Always remember to remove your NuvaRing before inserting a new one.
If you want to discontinue use of your NuvaRing, you can take out your ring at any time. Your menstrual cycle may take a few months to return to its normal rhythm, but even so, you’ll be fertile again quickly. Make sure to use a backup form of contraception if you’re not trying to get pregnant or aren’t planning to resume your ring use.
If you forget to replace your NuvaRing after four weeks, put in a new one as soon as possible. Use condoms until then, and for a week afterward. You can resume changing your ring as you normally would at the end of three weeks or a month’s time (depending on how you use).
If your ring falls out, rinse it with cool to lukewarm water and put it back in right away. If it’s been out for more than two days, you’ll need to use a backup form of contraception (like condoms and spermicide) for the next 7 days to make sure you don’t get pregnant.
While you shouldn’t worry about your NuvaRing getting “lost” inside of your body, it can get stuck in your vagina. But don’t panic—if you can’t get your NuvaRing out by yourself, a healthcare provider can help.
NuvaRing side effects
NuvaRing’s side effects aren’t too different from birth control pills. Some side effects go away after approximately two to three months; some people don’t experience any side effects at all. Possible side effects include:
- Abdominal pain
- Acne
- Breakthrough bleeding or spotting
- Breast tenderness or pain
- Depression and anxiety
- Decreased sexual desire
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Mood changes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Vaginal infection or irritation
- Weight gain or bloating
- An increased risk of blood clots and related health problems, as well as heart attack, stroke, liver cancer, gallbladder disease, deep vein thrombosis, and toxic shock syndrome
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately:
- Abnormal vaginal odor or vaginal itching
- Symptoms of blood clots such as pain, tenderness, or swelling in leg
- Persistent leg pain that doesn’t go away
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Severe pain or pressure in your chest
- Severe abdominal pain
- Sudden, severe headache unlike your usual headaches
- Two missed menstrual periods or other possible signs of pregnancy
- Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, or trouble speaking
Who shouldn’t use the birth control ring?
Your doctor may prescribe an alternate birth control if you’re a smoker older than 35, if you’re taking certain medications for hepatitis C, or if you’re planning to have major surgery that will leave you immobilized for a significant period of time.
Additionally, you should tell your healthcare provider if you currently have or have had the following health conditions that will increase your risk factor:
- Diabetes with vascular complications
- Blood clots
- Breast cancer
- Heart attack or stroke
- Migraine headaches with aura (or any migraines if you’re over 35)
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Uterine or liver cancer, or other liver disease
What are the benefits of NuvaRing?
Because the vaginal ring requires a lower dose of hormones, it’s just as effective as oral birth control with fewer side effects. It’s also a great option for anyone allergic to latex.
Additionally, NuvaRing can prevent or reduce:
- Acne
- Anemia
- Bone thinning
- Breast and/or ovarian cysts
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Endometrial and/or ovarian cancer
- Infections of the female reproductive organs
- Premenstrual syndrome
If the birth control ring sounds like a good fit for you, talk to your healthcare provider.
What are the disadvantages of NuvaRing?
There are some disadvantages to using the NuvaRing, namely, its effectiveness. The birth control ring is around 91% effective; with typical use, it has the same rate of effectiveness as the birth control pill or patch. As a comparison, the male condom is only 85% effective (with typical use). For even longer-acting and more foolproof protection, you may want to consider an IUD, like Mirena, or the birth control implant (Nexplanon).
Additionally, you must feel comfortable touching your vagina in order to use NuvaRing. There is an applicator available to insert the ring, but it doesn’t aid in removal. Applicators do not come with your prescription, but you can request applicators from the NuvaRing website.
Some drugs can interact with NuvaRing, making it less effective, so be sure to give your healthcare provider a list of everything you’re taking before you consider the vaginal ring as your primary birth control method.
How much does NuvaRing cost?
Most insurance plans cover part of the cost of NuvaRing, if not all of it. It could cost over $200 if you’re paying out of pocket, but you can reduce the price with a SingleCare coupon. Although there’s currently no generic option, there are other ways to save on prescriptions and get low-cost or free birth control.
