Medical Review by DeAnna McGarity MD
Summary
- NuvaRing® is a convenient and effective birth control solution that releases low-dose hormones to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
- Compared to other methods, NuvaRing® offers good protection against pregnancy while also helping you regulate your menstrual cycle.
- As with any birth control, NuvaRing® may cause side effects, such as mood changes or vaginal irritation.
- It’s essential to pay attention to your body and speak to your healthcare provider about any concerns before and while using NuvaRing®.
Birth control can be flexible
NuvaRing® is a birth control solution that can provide you with a reliable and convenient way to prevent unwanted pregnancy if it’s right for you. NuvaRing® is a small, flexible ring that frees you from the daily hassle of taking a pill.
Below, you can learn more about NuvaRing®—including how it works, what benefits it has, what side effects can occur, and how to talk to your healthcare provider to find out if it’s right for you. Learning more about different birth control options puts you in the best position to make important decisions about your healthcare provider.
How NuvaRing® works
NuvaRing® is inserted into the vagina, where it releases low doses of etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol directly into the bloodstream. These are synthetic versions of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which are found in many other birth control options.
The hormones released by NuvaRing® have several effects that prevent unwanted pregnancy. Here’s an overview of how they work:
- Preventing ovulation by stopping your ovaries from releasing eggs.
- Thickening the cervical mucus to prevent male sperm from getting through.
- Helping to regulate your menstrual cycle to make it more predictable and lower the risk of accidentally getting pregnant during a period of fertility.
The NuvaRing® advantage
Other birth control with progesterone have some of the same benefits—but solutions that have progesterone only can increase your risk of unscheduled bleeding. That’s one reason why so many women use birth control with progesterone and estrogen, like NuvaRing®.
Before NuvaRing®, birth control options with both progesterone and estrogen were usually only available as pills. By releasing synthetic versions of these hormones directly into your bloodstream, NuvaRing® can help you avoid some of the problems that can come with taking daily pills—you might feel less nauseous and your body can absorb the medication more consistently.
NuvaRing® vs. combined birth control pills at a glance
Some studies have directly compared NuvaRing® to birth control pills that combine progesterone and estrogen. Here’s an overview of what they’ve found:
| NuvaRing® | Combination Birth Control Pills | |
| Efficacy (how well it works to prevent pregnancy) | Comparable | Comparable |
| Cycle control (how good it is at regulating your menstrual cycle) | Better | Worse |
| Compliance (how well most users follow the instructions) | Comparable | Comparable |
| Likelihood of adverse effects (how risky it is) | Comparable | Comparable |
| Acceptability (how users feel about using it) | Comparable | Comparable |
There are a few unique risks to using a method like NuvaRing®, which we’ll explore in the “Side effects of NuvaRing®” section of this article. But most research supports the idea that NuvaRing® can be just as effective a form of birth control as oral contraceptive pills, with the added benefit of helping you enjoy a more predictable and consistent menstrual cycle.
Side effects of NuvaRing®
Every medical device comes with certain considerations, and NuvaRing® is no exception. Although it works well for most people, some may experience side effects including:
- Headache
- Vaginitis (which can come with discharge, itching, or pain)
- Mood changes (including feelings of depression)
- Weight gain
- Nausea
- Acne
- Lower sex drive
It’s essential to pay attention to your body and talk to your healthcare provider if you feel uneasy or unwell. Some side effects may fade over time as your body adjusts to NuvaRing®, but it’s still important to educate yourself so that you feel confident voicing questions or concerns before taking any new medication.
Is NuvaRing® the right birth control for you?
Before using NuvaRing®, you and your healthcare provider will need to carefully consider your health history and lifestyle. If you have certain health conditions or lifestyle factors that could create unnecessary risks when using this birth control option, there may be better choices.
Who should not use NuvaRing®?
You should not use NuvaRing® if any of the following conditions apply to you:
- You have a high risk for arterial or venous thrombotic diseases (including blood clots)
- You have breast cancer or another type of cancer that is sensitive to the hormones in NuvaRing®
- You have liver disease or tumors
- You are bleeding abnormally from the uterus in a way that has not been diagnosed
- You are pregnant
- You have hypersensitivity to any of the components in NuvaRing®
- You smoke cigarettes and are over 35 years old. Smoking increases your risk of serious cardiovascular side effects (heart and blood vessel problems) from combination hormonal contraceptives (CHCs), including death from heart attack, blood clots or stroke. This risk increases with age and the number of cigarettes you smoke.
Whether you choose to use NuvaRing® or not, learning about your body’s needs and preferences is an important step toward making informed decisions about your health.
Find support for your NuvaRing® journey with Lemonaid Health
The more you know about tools like NuvaRing®, the easier it is to have conversations with healthcare providers that lead to choosing safe and effective birth control methods.
Lemonaid Health can help by providing online consultations with qualified healthcare professionals based in the US. We can answer your questions about NuvaRing® and other birth control products, then help you select an appropriate option and create a personalized plan. Learn more about the support we offer and move forward with confidence.
FAQ
How exactly do I use NuvaRing® for it to be most effective?
NuvaRing® is designed to be easy, convenient, and user-friendly. Follow these steps for using NuvaRing® to help ensure it works as intended:
- Insert the NuvaRing® into your vagina and leave it in place for three weeks. If NuvaRing has been left inside your vagina for more than 4 weeks (28 days), you may not be protected from pregnancy and you should see your health care provider to be sure you are not pregnant.
- When the three weeks are up, remove it for a one-week break (during which time you may have your regular period or spotting).
- After the break, insert a new ring. It’s important to insert and remove the ring on the same day of the week and at approximately the same time for it to be most effective.
*NuvaRing should not be used in conjunction with certain female barrier contraceptive methods such as vaginal diaphragm, cervical cap, or female condom because NuvaRing may interfere with the correct placement and position of these methods and increases risk of blood clots and other
Always follow the specific instructions provided with your prescription, and be sure to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any uncertainties.
What day should I start using NuvaRing®?
Start using NuvaRing® on the first day of a new menstrual cycle (the first day you bleed). You can also start 2-5 days in—but you’ll need to use a barrier method of birth control for the first week if you do this.
If you were pregnant, Start NuvaRing no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery, in women who are not breastfeeding. The risk of postpartum thromboembolism decreases after the third postpartum week, whereas the risk of ovulation increases after the third postpartum week. Do not use it if you choose to breastfeed. Use other forms of contraceptives if you are choosing to breastfeed
What if my NuvaRing® breaks?
Your NuvaRing® might break or lose its shape while inserted—but this shouldn’t make it less safe or effective. If it slips out after breaking, you should insert a new one within 3 hours of it being removed.
Is it possible for NuvaRing® to fall out, and what should I do if it does?
Your NuvaRing® isn’t likely to fall out if you put it in correctly—but some activities can dislodge it. These include having sex, removing a tampon, or straining during a bowel movement.
If the ring falls out, rinse it with cool to lukewarm (not hot) water and reinsert it as soon as possible (within a maximum of three hours to maintain its effectiveness).
If the ring has been out for longer than three hours, refer to the instructions provided with your prescription for guidance on additional contraceptive measures and consider consulting with your healthcare provider.
NuvaRing® is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.
