Birth control ring (Nuvaring)
What is the birth control ring?
The ring, or the Nuvaring, is a flexible ring about two inches in diameter that is inserted into the vagina and left there for three weeks. It slowly and continuously releases hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy.
How does the birth control ring work?
The ring works in three different ways:
It stops your ovaries from releasing an egg each month.
It changes the lining of the uterus. The lining becomes thinner, making it harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus wall.
It makes the mucus in the cervix thicker so it is harder for the sperm to travel into the cervix, which leads into the uterus.
How effective is the birth control ring?
When the Nuvaring is used exactly as directed, the failure rate is less than one percent.
How do you use the birth control ring?
Read the instructions that come with the package and check the expiry date on the package before you use them.
Insert the ring into your vagina on the first day of your period.
Use a backup method like condoms for the first seven days.
Remove the ring on the 22nd day. You should get your period this week.
Insert a new ring after seven days.
If your doctor gives you medication to take, tell him or her that you are using the ring.
If the ring is removed for more than three hours during the first two weeks, use a backup method like condoms for seven days.
If the ring is removed for more than three hours on the third week of use, insert a new ring immediately and call us or ask a pharmacist for assistance.
Most people do not feel the ring when inside. If you do, gently push the ring further into the vagina.
What are the advantages of the birth control ring?
Your chances of getting pregnant are very low.
Your period is very regular and you may not bleed as much during your period.
Estrogen and progesterone lower your chances of getting cancer of the ovaries and the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus.
You don’t have to interrupt sex.
Its reversible, meaning you can get pregnant in the future.
Your partner doesn’t have to be involved.
You only have to think about it once a month.
What are the disadvantages of the birth control ring?
A health care worker has to give you a prescription.
You may not be able to use it if you have certain health issues.
It may slip or become dislodged.
You’re not protected against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
It costs a lot, especially at pharmacies. You can buy them for less at some birth control clinics.
A very small number of women suffer more serious side effects. There is a risk of getting heart attacks, strokes, blood clots in the veins, or liver tumours. As you get older, you are at higher risk of having these problems. If you smoke or have high blood pressure, the risk is even higher.
Where can you get the birth control ring?
Pharmacies and most birth control clinics sell the ring.