{"id":2793,"date":"2018-07-25T17:42:26","date_gmt":"2018-07-25T21:42:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=2793"},"modified":"2024-05-20T15:38:34","modified_gmt":"2024-05-20T19:38:34","slug":"birth-control-ring-nuvaring-contraceptive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/birth-control-ring-nuvaring-contraceptive\/","title":{"rendered":"NuvaRing: Everything you need to know about the birth control ring"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are plenty of birth control options, but if you\u2019re looking for an effective, easy-to-use method, <\/span>NuvaRing<\/span><\/a> could be the hormonal contraceptive to rule them all.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

What is NuvaRing?<\/b><\/h2>\n

NuvaRing\u2014also known as the birth control ring or the vaginal ring\u2014is 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

How does NuvaRing work?<\/b><\/h2>\n

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\u2019ll be able to insert and remove the vaginal ring by yourself at home. With the option of <\/span>telehealth<\/span><\/a>, you might be able to skip the office visit entirely.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

NuvaRing doesn\u2019t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so you\u2019ll need to use condoms to protect against STIs.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to use NuvaRing\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

When ready to use, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. Once your hands are dry, remove the ring from its package and <\/span>squeeze the sides<\/span><\/a> together before gently inserting it like a tampon.<\/span><\/p>\n

You may be aware of your birth control ring, but it shouldn\u2019t hurt; ideally, you won\u2019t 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\u2019re 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\u2019ll need to discard it (see directions below) and replace it with a new ring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019ll need to use a backup method like condoms for the first week after.<\/span><\/p>\n

NuvaRing is designed to be worn 24\/7, including during sex and exercise. Some partners may feel it in your vagina, but most don\u2019t find this to be a problem; you don\u2019t have to take it out beforehand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you do remove it for any reason, rinse it and reinsert it as soon as possible. Don\u2019t leave your NuvaRing out for more than three hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to remove it\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

When it\u2019s 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\u2019t flush it! And, of course, keep it away from pets and children. Always remember to remove your NuvaRing before inserting a new one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019ll be fertile again quickly. Make sure to use a backup form of contraception if you\u2019re not trying to get pregnant or aren\u2019t planning to resume your ring use.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s time (depending on how you use).<\/span><\/p>\n

If your ring falls out, rinse it with cool to lukewarm water and put it back in right away. If it\u2019s been out for more than two days, you\u2019ll need to use a backup form of contraception (like condoms and spermicide) for the next 7 days to make sure you don\u2019t get pregnant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While you shouldn\u2019t worry about your NuvaRing getting \u201clost\u201d inside of your body, it <\/span>can<\/span><\/i> get stuck in your vagina. But don\u2019t panic\u2014if you can\u2019t get your NuvaRing out by yourself, a healthcare provider can help.<\/span><\/p>\n

NuvaRing side effects<\/b><\/h2>\n

NuvaRing\u2019s side effects aren\u2019t too different from birth control pills. Some side effects go away after approximately two to three months; some people don\u2019t experience any side effects at all. Possible side effects include:<\/span><\/p>\n