NuvaRing

How effective is NuvaRing?

If you use NuvaRing exactly according to the instructions it’s more than 99% effective at protecting you against pregnancy . If you make a mistake with it every now and again, the effectiveness drops a little, but it still gives a high level of protection. This is called typical use and is judged to be around 91% effective.

The best way to ensure NuvaRing gives you as much protection as possible is to follow the instructions as closely as you can.

Who can use NuvaRing?

Most women should be able to use NuvaRing. It’s a type of combined birth control, much like the pill. This means that most women should be able to use it with little or no issues.

But combined birth control, contraception that contains oestrogen and progesterone, may not be a good choice for women with certain health factors. This includes women who get migraines or who are at increased risk of getting a blood clot. If combined birth control isn’t right for you, our clinician can recommend a progestogen-only pill instead.

How does NuvaRing work?

Each month, your body gets ready for pregnancy. The uterus grows a thicker lining to receive a fertilised egg, and an egg is released by the ovary in a process called ovulation. The reproductive cycle happens because of two hormones in the body, oestrogen and progesterone, whose levels rise and fall over the course of each month.

NuvaRing contains synthetic versions of these hormones. When they’re introduced to your body, certain steps in the reproductive cycle change. Ovulation doesn’t happen, the texture of the uterine wall doesn’t change, and mucus in the cervix thickens to block sperm from getting through.

How to use NuvaRing

NuvaRing is inserted into the vagina.

With clean hands, compress the ring between your thumb and fingers and carefully insert the tip inside the vaginal canal. Push higher until it’s firmly inside and you’re comfortable. You should be able to feel with your fingers that it’s still in place, but it won’t stop working if it moves a bit.

NuvaRing must be removed after exactly three weeks. To remove it, clean your hands and hook the ring onto one of your fingers. Then gently pull it out. NuvaRing comes with a small bag you can use to discard it. Always dispose of your NuvaRing in the bin and not into the toilet.

If you can’t find NuvaRing when it’s time to remove it, see your GP or sexual health nurse. It isn’t possible for the ring to become lost inside the body, so don’t panic. You might just need a little help taking it out.

Should I take a 7-day break on NuvaRing?

Like most methods of combined birth control, NuvaRing should be used for exactly 21 days. On the 22nd day, you should take it out, which you can do yourself at home. That day is then Day One of your seven-day break from NuvaRing. On the eighth day, insert a new ring and start the cycle again.

For specific advice on switching or changing birth control, just drop us a message. We can talk you through your options and answer any questions you have.

What should I do if NuvaRing falls out?

If NuvaRing falls out, refer to the package insert that came with it and get in touch with our clinician.

If it has been out for less than three hours, you should still be protected against pregnancy if you reinsert it. If it’s been longer than three hours or you’re not sure when it fell out, you will need to use condoms for a week after reinsertion to stay protected.

Medically reviewed by

Dr Daniel Atkinson

GP Clinical Lead

on August 02, 2022.

Meet Daniel