NuvaRing
® (
etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring) is a flexible vaginal ring used for contraception. It contains etonogestrel (a progestin) and ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen), which are released slowly over time.
NuvaRing is made by Organon.
It works like combined
oral contraceptives (
birth control pills that contain both an estrogen and a progesterone). Mostly, it prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation (the maturation and release of eggs from the ovaries). However, it also prevents pregnancy in two other, minor ways. NuvaRing alters the cervical mucus (the fluid of the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina), making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus. Lastly, it alters the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium), making it less receptive to an embryo.
NuvaRing was shown to be an effective birth control method in three large clinical trials. In these studies, for every 100 women who used it for a year, one or two became pregnant. This is very effective, compared to many other methods of contraception. For instance, as many as 14 percent of women using condoms for a year will become pregnant.
When and How to Use NuvaRing
General considerations for when and how to use NuvaRing include the following:
- It comes as a small, flexible ring. It is inserted into the vagina once a month.
- The ring is left in place for three weeks, after which it is removed for a ring-free week, during which you will usually have your period.
- It does not matter where exactly NuvaRing is in the vagina. However, if you feel discomfort, it was probably not inserted far enough. Most women do not feel it after insertion.
- It cannot get lost inside your body. It is too large to be passed through the cervix.
- NuvaRing can be used along with tampons, although you should be aware that tampon removal can also remove the ring.
- If the ring comes out, in most cases you should simply rinse it with cool or lukewarm water and reinsert it. In some circumstances, you may need to use a backup method of contraception for seven days.
- Dispose of the ring in the foil pouch, out of reach of pets and children. Do not flush the NuvaRing.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
There is only one standard way to dose NuvaRing, regardless of your age, weight, or medical conditions.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who uses the contraceptive will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of NuvaRing include, but are not limited to:
(Click NuvaRing Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With NuvaRing
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using the ring if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
An overdose is unlikely, for various reasons. Women who take too much of a combined hormonal contraceptive (such as NuvaRing) may experience the following symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Vaginal bleeding
- Other menstrual irregularities.
You may notice that your pharmacist keeps NuvaRing in the refrigerator. However, you can keep NuvaRing at room temperature for up to four months. If you will not be using it within four months, you should store NuvaRing in the refrigerator until use.
Keep NuvaRing and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What If I Forget to Remove NuvaRing?
If you accidentally leave it in place for up to an additional week (four weeks total), you will still be protected from pregnancy. Simply remove the ring, take your usual one-week, ring-free break, and start a new ring in seven days. If NuvaRing has been in place for more than four weeks, you may not have been adequately protected against pregnancy. You should make sure you are not pregnant, and you must use a backup method of birth control (such as condoms) for seven days after starting a new NuvaRing. A diaphragm should not be used as a backup method of birth control, since the NuvaRing may physically prevent proper placement of the diaphragm.
NuvaRing comes in one strength, releasing 0.120 mg of etonogestrel and 0.015 mg of ethinyl estradiol per day.
Is There a Generic Version of NuvaRing?
Currently, there is no generic version of NuvaRing licensed for sale
(see Generic NuvaRing).
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