NuvaRing

NuvaRing is a vaginal contraceptive ring that provides consistent protection from pregnancy. Manufactured by Organon, it is one of the easiest and most effective methods of birth control available, and comes in one size that fits most women. Once inserted into the vagina, NuvaRing prevents pregnancy for up to 3 weeks, offering reliable contraception for women who prefer a flexible option.

NuvaRing works in three core ways to prevent pregnancy:

• Stops ovulation: prevents the release of an egg from the ovaries.
• Thickens cervical mucus: makes it more difficult for sperm to enter the womb.
• Thins the womb lining: reduces the chance of a fertilised egg implanting into the womb.

It does this by releasing synthetic versions of the hormones oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) and progestogen (etonogestrel). These combined effects make NuvaRing a reliable and convenient method of birth control that you can trust.

The NuvaRing contraceptive ring is effective up to 99% of the time when used correctly.

In one study involving around 1,200 women, only 6 became pregnant while using NuvaRing. This translates to over 99% effectiveness. Pregnancy usually only occurs when NuvaRing is used incorrectly, so it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully for maximum effect.

To be prescribed NuvaRing from 121doc, you must be a woman over the age of 18.

Do not use NuvaRing if you:

• are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine
• have ever had a blood clot in your legs (deep vein thrombosis), lungs, or any other organ
• have a disorder that affects blood clotting
• are due for a surgery or will be immobile for a long time
• have ever had a heart attack or stroke
• have angina pectoris (a condition causing severe chest pain) or transient ischaemic attack (temporary stroke symptoms)
• experience migraines with aura
• have ever had liver disease, a liver tumour, or kidney problems
• have ever had cancer of the breasts or genital organs
• experience unexplained genital bleeding

When you insert your NuvaRing depends on your previous contraceptive method. Find which one relates to you below and follow the advice given:

Each NuvaRing can be kept in for 3 weeks, followed by a week break. You are protected from pregnancy for the entire 4-week period, provided you insert a new ring directly afterwards. Do not use the same NuvaRing twice, and insert your new one at the right time to ensure protection from pregnancy.

If you can’t remove the NuvaRing, try the following steps:

• Relax and stay calm. Tension can make it harder to remove the ring.
• Get into a comfortable position. Squatting, sitting on the toilet, or standing with one leg raised can help.
• Use your fingers to gently remove the ring. Try to reach it with your fingers and pull it out slowly.
• Try lubrication. Using a water-based lubricant can make it easier to remove.

If you still cannot remove the ring, seek immediate medical help. A doctor or gynecologist can safely retrieve the ring. Do not force it, as this may cause injury or make it even harder to remove.

Yes, there are some potential side effects from NuvaRing, although not everyone gets them. The most common NuvaRing side effects include:

• abdominal pain
• feeling sick (nausea)
• vaginal yeast infection (such as thrush)
• vaginal discomfort
• headache or migraine
• depressive moods
• lower sex drive (libido)
• breast or pelvic pain
• painful menstrual periods
• acne
• weight gain

For a full list of side effects, consult the patient information leaflet.

If your NuvaRing falls out for any reason, you may still be protected from pregnancy, but this depends on how long it has been out for.

If your ring has been out for:

• Less than 3 hours: you are still protected. Rinse the ring with cold to lukewarm water and reinsert the ring as soon as possible.
• More than 3 hours during the 1st and 2nd week: you may not be protected. Rinse the ring with cold to lukewarm water and reinsert the ring as soon as possible. Use condoms for the next 7 days.
• More than 3 hours during the 3rd week: you may not be protected. Discard the ring that fell out and do one of the following:
  • Insert a new ring immediately. This will start the next 3-week period, but breakthrough bleeding and spotting may occur.
  • Wait until you get your period and insert a new ring no later than 7 days after the previous ring fell out.
• Unknown amount of time: you may not be protected. Take a pregnancy test and inform your doctor.

Most people shouldn’t feel the NuvaRing contraceptive ring during sex, although the man is more likely to feel it. One study found that 89% of women and 68% of their partners claimed not to feel it at all during sex.

No, NuvaRing does not usually stop your period when used as directed. Most women will experience a withdrawal bleed during the 1-week ring-free break. This is similar to a period.

However, some people may experience lighter, shorter, or even skipped periods over time, especially after several months of use. Spotting or irregular bleeding can also happen, particularly during the first few cycles as your body adjusts to the medicine.

Some women have reported weight gain while using NuvaRing, but this is most likely due to fluid retention during the first few months of use. These changes are usually temporary.

Yes, you can use tampons with NuvaRing, and it will not make it less effective. Insert the NuvaRing first, and then insert your tampon. Make sure not to pull out your contraceptive ring along with your tampon.

No, NuvaRing isn’t available without a prescription. Safety is our number one priority at 121doc. For this reason, our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects