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Ring (NuvaRing)
What is the ring?
The ring is a combined hormonal contraceptive consisting of a 5.4 cm. (2
inch) diameter flexible ring, 4 mm (1/8 inch) in thickness. The ring is
made of a flexible vinyl acetate polymer. It is left in place in the
vagina for three weeks and then removed for one week, to allow for
withdrawal bleeding (a period). When using the ring, douching is not
recommended, but other topical therapies are allowed. The patch prevents
pregnancy by suppressing ovulation, similar to birth control pills. The
ring's effectiveness in preventing pregnancy is equivalent to the pill
(eight pregnancies for every 1,000 women using this method). The cost is
also equivalent to one cycle of pills. It is recommended that a back-up
method be used during the first seven days that the first ring is in
place. More complete information about this contraceptive can be
obtained from your health-care provider, pharmacist or the package
insert accompanying the ring.
What are the advantages?
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It is not necessary for the
ring to be removed during intercourse; removal during intercourse is not
recommended.
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Unlike oral contraceptives,
which cause a daily spike in hormone levels after each dose is swallowed
followed by a gradual drop throughout the rest of the day, the ring
maintains a steady, low release rate while in place.
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The ring is the lowest dose combined estrogen and progestin method.
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There is a low risk of breakthrough bleeding (spotting) when in use.
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Ninety-five percent of women report they cannot feel the ring when it is
in place and 70 percent of partners report they cannot feel it.
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This method is good for women who want to avoid having to remember to do
something every day or at the time of intercourse.
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This is a good option for women wanting to have monthly/regular periods.
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This method does not require complete accuracy in ring placement.
What are the disadvantages?
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Withdrawal bleeding may
continue (20 percent to 25 percent of the time) beyond the ring-free
interval; however, most of the time it is just light spotting.
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Some women dislike placing/removing objects into/out of the vagina.
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The most commonly reported side effects were headache, leukorrhea
(increased whitish or yellowish mucous vaginal discharge and vaginitis
(vaginal inflammation/irritation). These were each reported in about 5
percent of women.
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This method offers no protection against HIV or other sexually transmitted
infections/diseases. Use a condom if you may be at risk.
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The ring requires a prescription. It cannot be obtained over the counter.
Where do I get the ring?
The ring or a prescription for the ring may be obtained from
your doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, local health department
or family planning clinic.
What if I have sex and don't use birth
control?
Did you know that for 72 hours after sex, you can take emergency
contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant? Did you know that for
five to seven days after sex, you can have an IUD inserted so you won't
become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about these options.
If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of
clinicians near you who prescribe emergency birth control, call the
toll-free number 888.NOT2.LATE or 800.584.9911. Some of these sources of
help are free.
The North Dakota Department
of Health, Division of Family Health, does not assume responsibility for
the content obtained from external hyperlinks accessed from this website.
Any links to external sources are outside of our domain. Information on
external websites does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of
the North Dakota Department of Health or the Division of Family Health.
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