Edit

How to Use the NuvaRing®

Edited bySarah Eliza and 4 others

Article
Edit Discuss History
Use the NuvaRing®

The NuvaRing® is a small, vaginal ring that emits a low dosage of hormones throughout the month. It's changed every four weeks. Read on to learn how to use this form of birth control.

Edit Steps

  1. 1
    Obtain the NuvaRing at your local pharmacy. It requires a doctor's prescription, so you may have to get a pap smear at the gynecologist.
  2. 2
    Store rings in the refrigerator if you're not going to use them immediately.
    Store rings in the refrigerator if you're not going to use them immediately.
    Store rings in the refrigerator if you're not going to use them immediately. High temperatures similar to the body's will cause the release of hormones from the rings, thus reducing their effectiveness.
  3. 3
    Wash your hands before inserting a ring.
    Wash your hands before inserting a ring.
    Wash your hands before inserting a ring. Rinse them well to avoid getting soap in the vagina. (This can cause yeast infections.) Remove the ring from its wrapper. You may want to keep the wrapper, so you can put the ring back in it for disposal later.
  4. 4
    Insert the ring on the first day of your cycle, or the first day of your period, when you first start using the ring, if this is your first time using hormonal birth control.
    Insert the ring on the first day of your cycle, or the first day of your period, when you first start using the ring, if this is your first time using hormonal birth control.
    Insert the ring on the first day of your cycle, or the first day of your period, when you first start using the ring, if this is your first time using hormonal birth control. If you do so, you will be fully protected for this month from pregnancy. If you insert it sometime during your period, you should use another method of birth control for the first month.
    • Insertion time varies if you are switching from another form of hormonal birth control. You can insert the ring any time after using birth control pills or the patch if you have been consistent in use, the latest time being after your placebo week or patch free week. From the minipill, you can switch at any time, but use another form of birth control for seven days. For HBC injections, start when your next injection would be due, and use another form of birth control for seven days. If you have an implant or intrauterine system removed, start the day of removal and use an additional form of birth control for seven days.[1]
  5. 5
    Get into a comfortable position for insertion, such as lying down with your knees up, squatting, sitting on the toilet, or standing with one leg propped up.
    Get into a comfortable position for insertion, such as lying down with your knees up, squatting, sitting on the toilet, or standing with one leg propped up.
    Get into a comfortable position for insertion, such as lying down with your knees up, squatting, sitting on the toilet, or standing with one leg propped up.
  6. 6
    Fold the ring for insertion.
    Fold the ring for insertion.
    Fold the ring for insertion. Pinch the ring at the middle so it becomes oblong; this is the fold recommended by the manufacturer, and you will see it is smaller than a tampon even. Or you can twist the ring into a figure eight and fold the two circles on top of each other. This fold will pop open nicely once inside, and is generally easier to insert without it expanding too soon.
  7. 7
    Find your vaginal opening and insert the ring. Once it is open and fully inside, scoot it as far back as you can. Hook the ring onto your cervix for more stability.
  8. 8
    Wear the ring for three weeks. Then take it out for seven days, and you will normally have your period during this week.
  9. 9
    Insert the new ring four weeks or 28 days after inserting the old one, at the same time of day.
    Insert the new ring four weeks or 28 days after inserting the old one, at the same time of day.
    Insert the new ring four weeks or 28 days after inserting the old one, at the same time of day. Try setting an alarm on your phone or computer to help you remember.


Edit Video



 This video explains why the NuvaRing works and how to use the ring.


Edit Tips

  • After your first month using the ring, your period should fall in the ring-free week. If it does not, you can use tampons, Instead softcups, or menstrual cups with the ring. Just make sure that the ring is touching your vaginal walls. To make sure of this, it's easier to take the ring out, insert the menstrual product, and then place the ring to the side of the tampon or cup.
  • The ring has three weeks of hormones. You can leave it in for four weeks, and change to a new ring after 28 days, and it will have the same effect. You are protected from pregnancy for one month.
  • The ring can remain outside of you for three total hours during the three weeks. If the ring seems dirty or falls out, rinse it with some cool water and reinsert.
    • If the NuvaRing® falls out and it has been out for less than three hours, insert the ring again (or a new ring) and continue on your usual schedule.
    • If the NuvaRing® has been out for more than three hours and it is the second week of use, reinsert the ring as soon as possible and use a secondary form of birth control for seven days.
    • If the NuvaRing® has been out for more than three hours during the second week of use, you can either insert a new ring immediately, or have your period week. You are protected from pregnancy after these options only when you have been using the NuvaRing® for seven days, continuously. (Use a barrier method of birth control in the meantime.)


Edit Warnings

  • You should not use the NuvaRing® if you smoke or are at risk for heart disease. NuvaRing® increases the risk of blood clots and should not be used with acetaminophen (Tylenol). You should not wear the ring while you are breastfeeding or while you are pregnant.[2]
  • This article is not a replacement for your doctor's advice. Also be sure to read all of the fine print that comes with NuvaRing® before use.
  • You may experience breakthrough bleeding for a few weeks if this is your first time using hormonal birth control. If the problem persists, talk to your doctor.
  • This form of birth control does not protect against STIs/STDs or HIV.
  • If you experience side effects such as vaginal infections or irritation, headache, weight gain, or nausea or you simply don't feel like yourself, it may be the NuvaRing® and you should talk to your doctor about switching to a different method of birth control.[3]
  • Don't flush your old rings down the toilet! They should be thrown away in the trash, away from kids and pets.
  • It's not recommended to use diaphragms or another form of hormonal birth control with the NuvaRing®; accumulated levels of hormones may have interactions that you don't know the consequences of. It would be fine to use male condoms for more protection however. Two methods are always more effective than one.


Edit Things You'll Need

  • NuvaRing(s)
  • Phone or computer calendar (optional)
  • Private bathroom (recommended)
  • Refrigerator for storing rings


Edit Related wikiHows


Edit Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/startingNuvaRing/howToBeginUsingNuvaRing/index.asp
  2. ↑ http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/startingNuvaRing/whatShouldIAvoid/index.asp
  3. ↑ http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/aboutNuvaRing/possibleSideEffects/index.asp

Articles for You to Write

Here is a list of suggested articles that have not yet been written. You can help by researching and writing one of these articles. To get started writing one of these articles, click on the red link of a title below.

Article Info

Featured Article

Last edited:
June 10, 2012 by Busbyhead

Categories:
Featured Articles | Birth Control and Contraceptives

Recent edits by: Zareen, Flickety, ElizabethD (see all)

Article Tools

Share this Article:

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 30,288 times.

Was this article accurate?

YesNo


x

Thank Our Volunteer Authors.

Give this article a +1.