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NuvaRing™
The Ring (NuvaRing) is birth control that delivers the female sex hormones estrogen and progestin through a medicated ring placed in the vagina. Traditionally the ring is placed in the vagina and left there for three weeks. At the beginning of the fourth week, the woman removes the ring and usually has a menstrual period during this time. (The ring can be used to have shorter periods or no periods as well. We are happy to discuss how to use it in those ways as well.)
How effective is the Ring?
When used exactly as directed, the Ring is 97-99% effective.
How does the Ring work?
The Ring prevents ovulation (the release of an egg from a woman's ovaries). Without the release of an egg, fertilization and pregnancy cannot occur.
What are the advantages of the Ring?
The Ring offers excellent protection from pregnancy with no interruption of sexual activity. You will have light, shorter, less painful periods, and less premenstrual tension (PMS). The Ring also gives you protection from anemia, pelvic infections, and ovarian and uterine cancer. Unlike some birth control methods, you only need to think about the Ring once or twice a month.
What are the disadvantages of the Ring?
Using the Ring may increase your risk of complications such as heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and migraine headaches. The risk of complications increases if you are a smoker and over 35. At any time, however, your risk of any of these complications is 1/6th the risk of complications with pregnancy. The Ring does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Are there any side effects?
Possible side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, weight gain/fluid retention, spotting/bleeding between periods, mood changes, and changes in your sex drive. Side effects, if experienced at all, are most frequent during the first few months and usually disappear as your body gets used to the Ring.
Who shouldn't use the Ring?
If you have heart disease, circulatory disease, a clotting disorder, liver disease, or cancer, then you should probably not use the Ring.
If you have or have had a health problem such as migraine headaches, high blood pressure, diabetes, severe depression, sickle cell anemia or trait, are planning surgery in the next four weeks, or are a smoker, inform your practitioner. Further evaluation may be necessary to decide if it is safe for you to use the Ring.
 How do I use the Ring?
Place the ring in your vagina for 3 weeks, then take it out and throw it away. You will have no ring in your vagina for one week. This is when you should have a period. One week after you removed the ring, begin again with a new ring--whether or not you are bleeding at that time. Read the instructions that come with the ring. Ask a staff member if you have any questions.
What if I forget to remove the Ring?
If the Ring was in for 5 weeks or less, you are still protected. Take it out as soon as you remember, and place a new ring immediately. If the ring has been in longer than 5 weeks, you may no longer be protected. Remove the ring as soon as you remember and put a new one in immediately. You must use a back-up method of birth control, such as foam and condoms, for the next week to be sure you don't get pregnant.
What if I miss a period?
Occasionally women skip a period while using the Ring. If you have been using your ring exactly as directed, it is unlikely that you are pregnant and you should continue using the ring as directed. You may wish to get a pregnancy test two weeks after your period was due to reassure yourself. If you have pregnancy symptoms, do a pregnancy test as soon as possible.
How much does the Ring cost?
You need to get a prescription in order to use the Ring. You can get a prescription at Aurora Medical Services, and the Ring costs anywhere from $15-$50 a month at drugstores and clinics.
Warning signs: (ACHES)
Call the clinic immediately if you experience:
- (A) severe abdominal pain.
- (C) severe chest pain.
- (H) severe headaches.
- (E) severe extremity (leg/arm) pain.
- (S) changes in sight.
Any of these symptoms can be an early indication of a complication.
Additional questions:
Questions are always welcome. Feel free to call the clinic about any questions or concerns you may have regarding your birth control method. We are available Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
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How effective is the Ring?