The Ring

The ring has the hormones estrogen and progestin that stop ovulation (prevent the release of an egg from the ovaries).  It can also stop the sperm from entering the egg.  The ring is a soft, flexible, clear colored ring that is put into the vagina and left in for 3 weeks.  The brand name is NuvaRing®.

How to use the ring

A prescription of the ring contains one ring.  A woman inserts the ring into the vagina for 3 weeks, then it’s taken out or she goes "ring-free" the fourth week, and that’s when the woman will get her period.

  • Check the expiration date.  Do not insert the ring if it is expired.

  • The ring should be put in between the first and fifth day of a woman’s period.

  • To insert the ring, simply squeeze the ring together between the thumb and index finger (similar to how a tampon is put in).  Gently insert the ring into the vagina.

  • If the ring can still be felt, push it farther into the vagina.  Don’t worry, it can’t get lost in there!

  • Leave the ring in for three weeks.

  • After three weeks remove the ring.  To remove the ring, hook the index finger under the forward rim or grasp the rim between the index and middle finger and pull it out.

 

Read about other Methods:

Effectiveness

The ring is 92% - 99% effective.

Cost

The ring costs $50 to $60 each month. If you have health insurance, it may pay for all or part of the cost.

Where to get

Women need a prescription to get the ring, but getting a prescription can be easy!  She can get one through her family doctor or through a family planning clinic. She can fill the prescription at a pharmacy, a health clinic or a family planning clinic.

Things to think about
 

Some women like the ring because they only have to think about it when they’re putting it in and taking it out.  But on the other hand, some women don’t like the fact that they have to insert it into their vagina.

Common side effects of the ring include headaches, nausea (feeling like you might throw up), breast tenderness, spotting (having bleeding that happens between a woman’s period) or mood swings.  These side effects often go away within three to six months of use.

Remember, male and female condoms are the only forms of birth control that also offer protection against STIs. Condoms can be used with other forms of birth control to provide that protection.