NuvaRing is a lightweight, flexible ring inserted into the vagina for up to 5 weeks at a time. It contains a combination of synthetic estrogen and synthetic progesterone.
When used exactly as directed, NuvaRing is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, it’s about 91% effective with typical use. The more closely you follow the instructions on the package, the more effective it is.
NuvaRing releases a small amount of hormones into the uterus. These hormones protect against pregnancy by:
- Preventing ovulation: Ovulation is when one of your ovaries releases an egg. If you don’t ovulate, sperm will not be able to fertilize an egg.
- Thickening cervical mucus: Thick mucus makes it harder for sperm cells to swim through the vaginal canal. This means it would be difficult for sperm to reach an egg if your body released one.
- Thinning the endometrium: The endometrium is the lining of your uterus. Changes to this lining make it harder for a fertilized egg to implant.
NuvaRing is discreet, lower maintenance than other hormonal methods, and can be stopped at any time. Plus, research shows that supplying hormones directly to the uterus may cause fewer side effects than taking the pill.
Using NuvaRing may also help prevent or reduce the risk of a variety of hormone-related conditions such as:
- acne
- bone disease
- breast or ovarian cysts
- iron deficiency (anemia)
- premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Talk with your prescribing physician about the best time in your menstrual cycle to start using NuvaRing.
Insertion
- Wash and dry your hands. Open the resealable NuvaRing pouch and remove the ring. Keep the pouch to dispose of your ring later.
- Fold the ring in half so that two sides of the ring are touching.
- Insert the ring as far as you can into your vaginal canal. You may need to use your index finger to push it deeper. Don’t worry, there’s no risk of losing the ring or pushing it in too far. It doesn’t have to be in a certain position to work, either.
- Relax. You’re done!
Some people can feel it, but most don’t if it’s inserted correctly. The ring will stay comfortably in your body and will not dissolve. You’ll remove it after a few weeks and reinsert it again after another week.
Removal
- Find the resealable foil pouch that came with your NuvaRing.
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Gently insert your index finger into your vagina and hook it into the ring.
- Slowly pull the ring out of your vaginal canal.
- Put the used NuvaRing in the resealable foul pouch and throw it away. Never flush it down the toilet.
Storage
Store your NuvaRing box at room temperature between 68°F (20°C) and 77°F (25°C) for up to 4 months. Keep the box away from direct sunlight. Discard if the expiration date has passed.
Some of these effects are temporary and only occur as your body adjusts to the ring’s hormones. If your side effects are severe or don’t go away after a few months, contact your prescribing physician.
Common side effects include:
- vaginitis (irritation of your vagina or cervix)
- headache
- migraine
- mood changes
- nausea
- vomiting
- vaginal discharge
- increased weight
- vaginal discomfort
- chest pain or tenderness
- dysmenorrhea
- abdominal pain
- acne
- decreased libido
Rarely, people can have serious side effects from using NuvaRing. In some cases, these problems can be fatal. Serious side effects from NuvaRing can include:
- blood clots
- high blood pressure
- liver problems
- reproductive or breast cancer
- gallbladder disease
- high cholesterol
- inflammation of the pancreas
- toxic shock syndrome
NuvaRing may not be the best choice for everyone, especially those with certain risk factors. One of the more serious possible side effects of NuvaRing is blood clots.
These are rare, but if they occur, they can be serious and even fatal. Risk factors for blood clots from NuvaRing include:
- being over age 35
- smoking traditional cigarettes, vaping nicotine, or using other tobacco products
- having a history of migraine headaches with aura
- having a history of blood clots or a blood clotting disorder
To learn about other risk factors or to find out if NuvaRing is a safe option for you, talk with a healthcare professional. Be sure to discuss your full health history, especially if you have any of the risk factors listed above.
People who have a history of, or currently have, the following conditions should avoid using NuvaRing:
- inflammation in the veins
- deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- vascular or coronary artery disease
- heart disease
- very high blood pressure
- diabetes with an impact on the veins
- headaches with neurological symptoms
- immobilization from recent surgery
- breast cancer or reproductive cancer, such as of the uterus, cervix, or vagina
- abnormal genital bleeding
- jaundice
- liver tumors or disease
- pregnancy
How much does NuvaRing cost?
You’ll need to purchase one NuvaRing for every 5 weeks of use. According to Planned Parenthood, the cost can be up to $200 out of pocket.
Some health insurance plans may cover the entire cost. Contraceptives may also be covered under Part D, depending on your Medicare plan.
You may also be able to get it for free or at a lower cost at your local health department, community health clinic, or Planned Parenthood.
What should you do if your NuvaRing comes out?
That depends on how long the ring has been outside of your body. If the ring has been out of your vagina for less than 3 hours, rinse it in lukewarm water and reinsert it right away.
If the ring has been out of your vagina for more than 3 hours, use a backup method of birth control and follow the instructions on the NuvaRing label.
Contact your prescribing physician for additional advice to make sure you’re protected.
Can you take out NuvaRing before penetrative sex?
If you prefer, you can remove the ring for up to 3 hours during solo or partner sex. Be sure to do this no more than one time in a 24-hour period. Also, be sure to rinse the ring with lukewarm water before putting it back in.
Can you feel NuvaRing during sexual activity?
If you inserted NuvaRing properly, you probably won’t be able to feel it during penetration. Your partner may be able to feel it with the tips of their fingers, but most people report that it doesn’t bother them.
NuvaRing is a highly effective form of birth control. Talk with a doctor or other healthcare professional to learn more about it and determine if NuvaRing is a good choice for you.