FAQs

As a hormonal birth control ring, NuvaRing is a vaginal insert flexible small ring containing two types of female hormones – progestin and estrogen. It primarily protects you against getting pregnant. The active components are ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel. These NuvaRing are released over time and help in making the endometrial lining thin so that implantation does not take place. The vaginal ring contraceptive also suppresses ovulation so that a mature egg is not released by the ovary. Moreover, the birth control product makes the passing of sperm into the uterus through the fallopian tubes difficult by thickening the cervical mucus, inhibiting the fertilization process.
It is normal for the birth control vaginal ring to move around in the vagina slightly. Most females cannot feel the birth control ring once it is in place. If discomfort occurs, ensure the NuvaRing contraceptive ring is placed correctly and fully inserted. Use your finger to push the ring gently in place. Usually, the ring cannot go past the cervix but there is some risk of the product slipping out during intercourse, removal of tampon, or straining to pass stool. There have been cases where users have pushed the ring far enough that it got into the bladder. So, if you encounter pain after or during NuvaRing hormone insertion, seek medical assistance immediately.
There is very little chance that you or your partner may feel the hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring during intercourse. However, it may sometimes be felt, yet does not disrupt the intimacy experience. So, do not remove the vaginal ring for contraception during physical intimacy, as otherwise, you may conceive. It may not cause any discomfort or interfere with satisfaction.
You are not supposed to keep a contraceptive vaginal ring for more than 28 days or 4 weeks in the vagina. If you have kept the ring inside for longer, remove it and check for pregnancy. If you have not conceived, start with an estrogen ring. Do not forget to use a spermicide or condom for the first 7 days in a row. Do not miss out on using the barrier method in between or it can make you pregnant upon intercourse.
While NuvaRing birth control can protect against getting pregnant, it does not defend you from sexually transmitted diseases or infections like HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, etc. You may use a barrier method like a condom for added safety and reduce the risk of STD transmission.
It would be best if you kept the vaginal ring for birth control in its original foil at room temperature i.e. 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Keep the pack away from direct sunlight, damp places, and moisture. Do not freeze and store the contraceptive ring away from pets and children. Once the product is used or expired, place the ring back in the re-sealable pouch and throw it away in a trash can. Do not flush it down the toilet.
NuvaRing contraceptive is a flexible ring, which mostly even the user may not feel inside the vagina if not paying deep attention to its placement and movement inside. However, for a partner, during intercourse, usually the hormonal birth control ring is not something to feel up easily. At times, the husband can understand that there is a vaginal birth control ring placed within. However, it does not disturb intimacy or reduce satisfaction. It does not disrupt the intercourse in any way.
While vaginal ring contraceptive is quite effective and safe, it may have a few side effects. These do not linger for long and do not affect every person. You may experience irritation inside the vagina or at the cervix. Other effects include mood changes, vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, painful menstrual periods, acne, low libido, depression, headache, discomfort in the vagina, breast soreness or tenderness, weight gain, vomiting, or nausea. Regular use of contraceptive ring may eliminate most of these issues.

While vaginal ring contraceptive is quite effective and safe, it may have a few side effects. These do not linger for long and do not affect every person. You may experience irritation inside the vagina or at the cervix. Other effects include mood changes, vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, painful menstrual periods, acne, low libido, depression, headache, discomfort in the vagina, breast soreness or tenderness, weight gain, vomiting, or nausea. Regular use of contraceptive ring may eliminate most of these issues.

You will need no additional assistance inserting a birth control ring, as you can do it by yourself. Get into a comfortable position like squatting, standing with a leg up, etc., and let the contraceptive ring in with a gentle push of your finger. Do not push too hard or too deep inside as the ring can easily adjust in the vagina and start working by releasing hormones to suppress ovulation and avert implantation.

NuvaRing is a highly preferred contraception method because it is up to 98% effective. Thus, the risk of conceiving drastically reduces when you use the product as expected. However, the efficacy rate may decrease if you do not follow the usage guidelines. So, follow the insertion technique for NuvaRing's effectiveness and utilize it on the recommended days.
Remember Plan B and vaginal ring contraceptives are different from each other but contain hormones. While the former is an emergency contraceptive, the latter is a regular form of birth control. You may use Plan B pill after unprotected intercourse within the first 72 hours to disallow pregnancy. However, Contraception NuvaRing is not a one-time-use product. Even if you have to insert it once every month, it has to stay within the vagina to protect you from getting pregnant. Also, it grants security against pregnancy only when you use it before unprotected intercourse
If the contraception vaginal ring accidentally expels out of the vagina, use a new one. However, if it emerges shortly like while pulling out a tampon, re-insert it after ringing with cool or lukewarm water. However, if the ring has been out for more than 3 hours continuously, use a new or the old one itself. But also start using a condom or spermicide for the next 7 days along with the NuvaRing contraceptive.
Vaginal ring contraception is a birth control product. It works by restricting certain menstrual cycle-related processes to protect you from conceiving. However, there is a slight risk of an ectopic pregnancy just like any other contraceptive. But it is a rare occurrence, and otherwise, the vaginal birth control ring grants complete defense against pregnancy of any kind.