You are here: PharmacyArticlesBirth ControlNuvaRing: How Effective Is the Birth Control Ring? Read more articles on: Birth Control Published on: February 28, 2020 Last Updated On: January 4, 2021 Free Delivery: Your medication is delivered directly to you at no added cost. We even offer same-day delivery in selected locations. Discreet Packaging: Your privacy is important. That's why we send your medication inside a plain delivery box so no one will know what's inside. NuvaRing: How Effective Is the Birth Control Ring? Using NuvaRing to prevent pregnancy is both convenient and effective. The benefits of NuvaRing don’t stop at its ability to help prevent pregnancy.Table of Contents What is Vaginal Ring?NuvaRing and PeriodBenefits of NuvaRingHighly EffectiveConvenientMinimal MaintenanceHealth BenefitsAbility to Conceive Returns QuicklySkipping Menstrual PeriodsSide EffectsWhen Should You Talk to Your Doctor?RisksWhat is Vaginal Ring?The Vaginal ring is a contraceptive device for women. It is a latex-free, flexible plastic ring to be inserted in the vagina and contains two hormones: estrogen and progestogen. The hormones last for three weeks, after which the ring needs to be removed, allowing menstruation to occur. You need to insert a new ring after a week.Similar to the combination birth control pill, this vaginal ring prevents conception by releasing hormones in your body. These hormones prevent ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation).The hormones also:Thicken cervical secretion preventing sperm from reaching the egg.Thinning of the uterine lining to prevent implantation of a fertilized eggThe Food and Drug Administration has approved two vaginal rings, NuvaRing and Annovera.NuvaRing and PeriodThe ring stays in place for three weeks, after which it has to be removed. You wait for a week before inserting the new ring. You will usually have periods within seven days, which is known as withdrawal bleeding. Most women do not feel the ring once inserted in the vagina.If you want to avoid the bleeding, you can immediately place the new ring after removing the existing one, missing a week’s break.Benefits of NuvaRingYou may have heard about benefits such as the use of ring and lower risk of breast and ovarian cysts, use of ring and acne, and ring and bone loss.Some other benefits include:You can skip your periodsMore regular, lighter, and less painful periodsImmediate reversal of fertility after stopping to use the ringLower risk of uterine and ovarian cancerALSO READ Birth Control Methods and Weight GainHighly EffectiveInserting NuvaRing correctly may take some getting used to. When inserted properly, NuvaRing is 99% effective. With typical everyday use, the efficacy of the ring drops down to 91%. This drop in the ring’s effectiveness is due to various errors in usage. Some of these errors include the following:Not inserting the ring incorrectly Failing to re-insert the ring promptly if it has fallen out Forgetting to replace the ring within the recommended three to six week time frame. ConvenientWith practice, NuvaRing is easy to use. A significant advantage of NuvaRing is that it is a maintenance-free option if inserted correctly. The ring can remain in place anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks before it needs to be removed. This is a significant advantage over the birth control pill, which needs to be taken daily, or barrier devices that must be used to prevent pregnancy. Experience the convenience of getting your birth control delivered to you, fill prescription online now!Minimal MaintenanceWhen compared to other birth control methods like the pill, NuvaRing is a great option that requires minimal maintenance. For the birth control pill to work as intended, it must be taken orally every day, preferably at the same time of day, for at least 21 days. Forgetting to take the pill, or even forgetting to take your pills with you when you’re away from home for the day can affect its ability to prevent pregnancy. Unlike the pill, NuvaRing can be inserted and left alone for up to 6 weeks. Since the ring continues to release both progestin and estrogen throughout these 6 weeks, the risk of human error is significantly reduced.Health BenefitsNuvaRing works by releasing both progestin and estrogen, which both help prevent pregnancy. In addition to protecting against pregnancy, these hormones offer additional advantageous benefits. When used as directed, the ring can help minimize or prevent the following:acnecysts in ovaries and breastsbone thinningovarian and endometrial cancersectopic pregnancyiron deficiencyinfection of uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubespremenstrual syndromeALSO READ All about the Birth Control Patch#DidYouKnow: Hormonal as well as non-hormonal IUDs are available in Canada – learn more about Mirena IUD and Paragard Copper IUD.Ability to Conceive Returns QuicklyIt is important to note that the ability to conceive returns soon after stopping to use NuvaRing. It may take 1-2 full menstrual cycles before the body is free of the hormones released by the ring. When the usage of NuvaRing has stopped, medical professionals recommend waiting at least one month before attempting to conceive. This waiting period allows the body to have at least one regular menstrual period.Skipping Menstrual PeriodsPerhaps you’re going on vacation, have a special event coming up, or just want a break from the regular monthly routine. Another benefit of NuvaRing is that it can be used to skip menstrual periods.Skipping your period with NuvaRing is easy. Insert the ring and leave it in place for 3 weeks. On the first day of the 4th week, remove the old ring and immediately replace it with a new one instead of going ring-free for 7 days. Doing this will ensure that there are consistent levels of hormones in your body. Using PocketPills to fill your NuvaRing prescription will ensure that you always have a new ring ready when it’s time for it to be replaced.Side EffectsThe majority of women do not face any significant side-effects. But some minor side-effects may occur, such as:Sore or tender breastsAn increase in vaginal dischargeNauseaIrregular vaginal bleedingBloating HeadacheMood changesChanges in your skinWhen Should You Talk to Your Doctor?The vaginal ring is a prescription contraceptive, and you will need a doctor’s prescription to get it. You should talk to your doctor about your problems before using the ring, especially if you:Are overweightHave migraineAre over 35 yearsSmokeHave a family history of thrombosis or a clotting disorderHave been treated for breast cancerAre taking medicines that may impede the ring’s functioningHave health problems such as heart or liver problems or high blood pressureCannot move around for a long timeALSO READ Is Kyleena IUD better than birth control pills and condoms? Can it cause weight gain, what about side effects?RisksOne in 100 women using the ring has a risk of getting pregnant. Other risks include:Breakthrough bleedingSpotting between periodsNauseaHeadacheDiarrheaAbdominal painDepressionBreast tendernessDecreased sex driveVaginal irritation or infectionIncreased vaginal dischargeThe ring may also increase the risk of heart attack, gallbladder disorders, blood-clotting problems, liver cancer, stroke, and toxic shock syndrome.NuvaRing is a convenient and effective birth control option. Speak to your medical professional if you have questions, or are considering using the ring as your preferred method of birth control. Be sure to speak to one of our pharmacists here at PocketPills to see how we can help you make sure that you always have a supply of your chosen method of birth control when you need it.Learn more about the alternatives to NuvaRing:Birth Control PatchIntrauterine DevicesLolo Birth Control Pill We're Here for You: Our pharmacists are happy to answer your questions. Get in touch by text, live chat, phone or email. We're standing by 7 days a week. Automatic Refills: We manage your refills and get in touch with your doctors for prescription renewals so that you always have the medication you need. Read More... 6606 Views Share