The majority of women opt to wear the ring for three weeks before taking a one-week break. Replace the ring exactly one week after it was removed. Make a note of when you took it out and try to replace it at the same time, on the same day, one week later.

To insert the ring, make an oval by pressing the opposite sides together. Insert the ring into the vaginal canal until it feels secure. By hooking a finger under the ring and pulling it out, you can remove it.

Nuvaring can also be used in the following ways:
Long-term use: 1 ring per week for 9 weeks, then no pills for 4 or 7 days.
Continual use: 1 ring per week, no breaks.

NuvaRing is a type of vaginal contraceptive ring. The vaginal ring is a small, flexible ring that is placed in the vagina for three weeks and then removed for one week. It will provide a slow, controlled release of hormones during this time. It doesn’t have to stay in one place (as long as it’s in the vaginal canal), and it should allow you to use tampons and have sex without any problems.

Effectiveness

NuvaRing has a 99 percent effectiveness rate.

Its effectiveness is contingent on proper application and the continued presence of your NuvaRing. This is one of the main concerns of its users, so women should be aware of its location at all times and double-check that it hasn’t moved.

Side Effects

The majority of women have no negative side effects. Skin irritation, discharge, mood swings, irregular bleeding, and breast discomfort have all been reported as side effects. Blood clots occur in a small percentage of women. The risk of blood clots is slightly higher with this contraceptive than with others. Send us a message through your Patient Record if you have any concerns.

See the patient information leaflet for a complete list of side effects and how to use it correctly. If you have any concerns about side effects, please contact us through your Patient Record.

If the ring has been removed for less than 48 hours, it should be washed and replaced as soon as possible. You’ll have to keep it until the day it’s supposed to come out.

Extra contraception isn’t required if the following conditions are met:

You’re in the first week following the ring-free break, and you used the ring correctly in the week preceding the break.
You’re in any other week of your cycle and you used the ring correctly for the previous seven days.
If the ring has been out for longer than 48 hours, it should be washed and replaced as soon as possible. You’ll have to keep it until the day it’s supposed to come out.

You might need emergency contraception if it’s the week after a ring-free break and you’ve had unprotected sex this week or during the break. In three weeks, you might need to take a pregnancy test.

You don’t need emergency contraception if it’s any other week of your pill cycle, as long as you use the vaginal ring correctly in the week leading up to the ring coming out.

If you are unable to remove the NuvaRing and are experiencing bleeding or pain, please contact your GP or nurse as soon as possible.

If your baby is under 6 weeks old and you’re breastfeeding, the vaginal ring isn’t recommended because it can reduce breastmilk flow.

After pregnancy, use the vaginal ring

If you are not breastfeeding, you can begin using the vaginal ring 21 days after giving birth and be protected from pregnancy immediately. If you start using the vaginal ring more than 21 days after giving birth, you’ll need to use additional contraception.