Birth Control Options: The 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 3 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 (8 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 7 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?

• It is not necessary for the ring to be removed during intercourse; removal during intercourse is not recommended.
• 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.
• The ring is the lowest dose combined estrogen and progestin method.
• Low risk of breakthrough bleeding (spotting) when in use.
• Decreased fear of pregnancy may allow more enjoyment of sexual activity.
• 95% of women report they can not feel the ring when it is in place and 70% of partners report they can not feel it.
• This method is a good potion for women who want to avoid having to remember to do something every day or at the time of intercourse.
• This is a good option for women wanting to have monthly/regular periods.
• This method does not require complete accuracy in ring placement.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?

• Withdrawal bleeding may continue (20-25% of the time) beyond the ring free interval, however, most of the time it is just light spotting.
• Some women dislike placing/removing objects into/out of the vagina
• 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 abut 5% of women.
• This method offers no protection against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections/diseases (STIs, STDs). Use a condom if you may be at risk.
• Requires a prescription - can not 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? AND for 5 to 7 days after sex, you can have an IUD put in, so you won’t become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about this. If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you that prescribe emergency birth control, call the toll-free number: (1-888) NOT-2-LATE or (1-800) 584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free. PLAN B is the emergency contraceptive pill that causes the least nausea, the least vomiting, and has the lowest failure rate.

The Pill | The Mini-Pill | Birth Control Shot | Abstinence  | Cervical Cap

Breastfeeding | Vasectomy | Female/Male Condom Choices

Contraceptive Film (VCF) | Natural Family Planning  |  IUD's

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) | Vaginal Spermicides

Tubal Sterilization | The Ring | The Patch

Wyoming Health Council

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