Embedded Files
The birth control ring is a combined hormonal birth control method containing both estrogen and progestin. The flexible ring is placed inside the vagina, where it releases medication over time.
If you have any questions about how to use your birth control ring, please contact our office.
Understanding Your Ring Schedule
Understanding Your Ring Schedule
Most birth control rings follow a 4-week cycle:
Weeks 1–3: Keep the ring in your vagina continuously for 3 weeks.
Week 4: Remove the ring and leave it out for 7 days. Bleeding usually occurs during this ring-free week.
After 7 days, insert your ring again on the same day of the week and around the same time, even if you are still bleeding.
Which ring are you using?
NuvaRing: Use a new ring with each cycle. After your ring-free week, insert a new ring.
Annovera: The same ring is reused for 13 cycles (about 1 year). After removing it for your ring-free week, clean and store it as directed, then reinsert the same ring for your next cycle.
Starting Your Birth Control Ring
Starting Your Birth Control Ring
I usually recommend inserting your first ring on the Sunday after your next period begins. Starting around the time of your period can make the transition onto hormonal birth control a little easier and may help reduce irregular or breakthrough bleeding.
You do not have to wait for your next period, however. The birth control ring can generally be started at any time as long as we are reasonably certain you are not pregnant.
When will my ring start protecting me from pregnancy?
If you start within the first 5 days of your period: No backup birth control is needed.
If you start more than 5 days after your period begins: Use condoms or avoid intercourse for the first 7 days after inserting your ring.
If you use a Sunday start, whether you need backup contraception depends on how many days have passed since your period began.
How To Insert & Remove Your Ring
How To Insert & Remove Your Ring
To insert your ring: Wash your hands, then squeeze the sides of the ring together and gently push it into your vagina. There is no exact position the ring needs to be in to work. If you can feel it or it feels uncomfortable, try gently pushing it a little farther into the vagina.
Helpful tip: If you have trouble inserting the ring with your fingers, you can use an empty tampon applicator. Remove the tampon, tuck the folded ring inside the applicator, and insert it similarly to a tampon.
To remove your ring: Wash your hands, then insert a finger into your vagina, hook your finger around the edge of the ring, and gently pull it out.
After the ring has been in place for 3 weeks, remove it on the same day of the week and around the same time that you inserted it. Leave the ring out for 7 days, then begin your next cycle.
NuvaRing: Discard the used ring and insert a new ring after your ring-free week.
Annovera: Clean and store the ring as directed during your ring-free week, then reinsert the same ring for your next cycle.
Storing your ring: Annovera can be stored at room temperature and does not need to be refrigerated. NuvaRing and generic rings can also be kept at room temperature after they are dispensed; follow the storage instructions provided with your specific ring.
Skipping or Delaying Your Period
Skipping or Delaying Your Period
The birth control ring can be used continuously to skip or reduce the number of periods you have.
NuvaRing: When it is time to remove your ring, insert a new ring immediately instead of having a ring-free week.
Annovera: Instead of removing your ring for a scheduled ring-free week, you can leave the ring in place and continue using it continuously.
Spotting or breakthrough bleeding is common with continuous use, particularly at first. If you develop persistent or bothersome breakthrough bleeding, taking a short 3–4 day break from the ring can often help. After the break, reinsert your ring and resume continuous use.
Do not take a ring-free break during the first 21 days of continuous use, and do not take a ring-free break more than once per month, as this could decrease contraceptive effectiveness.
What If My Ring Comes Out or I Forget to Replace It?
What If My Ring Comes Out or I Forget to Replace It?
Your birth control ring can stay in place during intercourse. Some people or their partners may notice the ring, but it is safe to leave it in place. If you prefer, the ring can be removed briefly during intercourse. How long your ring can safely remain out depends on which type you use.
NuvaRing
If your ring comes out or is removed for less than 3 hours, rinse it with cool or lukewarm water and reinsert it as soon as possible. Your contraceptive protection should not be affected.
If your ring has been out for 3 hours or longer, contraceptive protection may be reduced. Reinsert it as soon as possible and use condoms or avoid intercourse until the ring has been back in place for 7 consecutive days.
Annovera
Annovera can also be removed briefly, including during intercourse. During each 21-day period of use, it should not be out of the vagina for more than 2 hours total.
If you remove Annovera, wash it with mild soap and warm water, rinse and pat it dry, and reinsert it as soon as possible.
If Annovera has been out for more than 2 hours total, reinsert it and use condoms or avoid intercourse until it has been back in place for 7 consecutive days.
What if I forget to put my ring back in after the ring-free week?
Insert your ring as soon as you remember. If your ring-free interval has lasted longer than 7 days, use condoms or avoid intercourse until the ring has been in place for 7 consecutive days.
If your ring-free interval has lasted longer than 7 days and you had unprotected intercourse during that time, emergency contraception may be recommended, particularly if the ring was not replaced on time at the beginning of a new cycle.
When Should I Contact The Office?
When Should I Contact The Office?
Most people do well with the birth control ring, and mild side effects often improve during the first few months. However, please contact the office if you are experiencing:
Persistent or bothersome breakthrough bleeding, especially if it continues after the first few months
Side effects that are significant or aren't improving
Persistent vaginal irritation, discomfort, or unusual discharge
Difficulty keeping the ring in place
New or worsening headaches, particularly if you develop migraines or new neurologic symptoms
Frequently forgetting to replace your ring or having difficulty using it consistently
A desire to change your birth control method
Seek urgent medical care if you develop:
New chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood
Significant pain or swelling in one leg
A sudden severe headache, especially with weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or other neurologic symptoms
New vision loss or significant vision changes
Serious complications are uncommon, but estrogen-containing birth control can increase the risk of blood clots and certain cardiovascular complications.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse