What Does NuvaRing Contain?

As a combination hormonal contraceptive (CHC), NuvaRing contains synthetic estrogen and progestin.

·        It has a composition of 11.7 mg etonogestrel and 2.7 mg ethinyl estradiol in every vaginal ring.

·        Using one ring at a time is advisable for three weeks, which releases approximately 0.12 mg/day of etonogestrel and 0.015 mg/day of ethinyl estradiol.

·        The NuvaRing begins releasing the required hormone dose once inside to prevent a pregnancy. You can have sex comfortably without the birth control product affecting the experience.

What is the NuvaRing Usage?

Here is a brief on how to use NuvaRing safely:

·        After keeping a NuvaRing inserted continuously for 3 weeks, take out the contraceptive and be free of any birth control for the entire fourth week.

·        In this duration, withdrawal bleeding may happen. Even if the bleeding does not start / stop, start with a new NuvaRing piece from the fifth week.

How Does NuvaRing Work?

Know more about NuvaRing action mechanism as a hormonal contraceptive:

·        The primary action mechanism of NuvaRing vaginal ring for birth control is making the cervical mucus thick so it restricts sperm into the uterus.

·        It also makes the endometrial lining thin to stop the risk of implantation.

·        Moreover, it delays ovulation by suppressing release of mature eggs (ovulation), doing away with fertilization possibility.

What Are the NuvaRing Contraindications?

It is not suitable to use NuvaRing under following conditions:

·        If you have undiagnosed uterine bleeding, angioedema, liver tumor or disease, breast cancer, or a suspected confirmed pregnancy.

·        If you have an allergy to the NuvaRing ingredients, anaphylaxis, using any current Hepatitis C medicines, or taking ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir.

How to Insert a NuvaRing?

Detailed instructions of NuvaRing insertion in the vagina are mentioned below:

·        Make sure to wash your hands beforehand and take the vaginal ring out of its foil. Keep the foil for later when disposing of a used ring.

·        Choose a comfortable position to insert one NuvaRing in the vagina – stand with a leg up to insert the birth control ring with your fingers in the vagina gently, until it fits right.

·        Or lie down and keep your legs apart with them raised, to insert the NuvaRing easily. You can also assume a squatting position and then pinch the NuvaRing at either edge firmly to push it gently inside the vagina.

·        Remember that NuvaRing does not have to be in a particular position for effectiveness. But do not keep it too near the vaginal opening or too deep inside.

How to Remove a NuvaRing?

Do not keep the old ring inside for more than three weeks in a row. Remove the NuvaRing at the beginning of the fourth week. Here is how to do so:

·        Take the positions (any of which) as the NuvaRing insertion, and hook the index finger below the contraceptive. Hold the rim of NuvaRing between your index and middle finger.

·        Gently pull the birth control ring out and put it in the original foil pouch. Now, dispose of the used NuvaRing in the bin, away from the reach of pets and children. Do not flush it down the toilet.

·        Do not wear a new NuvaRing for the entire week. But take out a new vaginal ring and insert it from the starting day of the fifth week, the same day as the week as the previous use – irrespective of bleeding’s presence.

What is the Ideal Time to Start With a NuvaRing?

Guidance about the right time to start the NuvaRing contraceptive vaginal ring:

·        Start on the first day of period bleeding. Or start on day 2 or 5 of menstruation. If used any later, a male condom with spermicide needs to be utilized for the first 7 days as a backup birth control. Or practice abstinence for a week.

·        If switching to NuvaRing from a progestin-only birth control like an implant, IUD, or an injection, etc. begin with the vaginal ring contraceptive the very day of removing the IUD or implant, or on the day of the upcoming scheduled injection (shot).

·        If switching from a CHC, then use NuvaRing after a day of stopping the combination hormonal contraceptive.

·        After 4 weeks following childbirth, keep using male condoms with spermicides for a week. Then you may begin with the vaginal ring birth control. But if still breastfeeding, avoid NuvaRing.

·        If you encounter a miscarriage or an early abortion, use NuvaRing within the first 5 days of the pregnancy loss/termination. But if five days go by, then use a non-hormonal birth control instead.

·        If you undergo a second-trimester abortion or miscarriage, then use NuvaRing only after an interval of 4 weeks.

What Are NuvaRing Interactions?

Some medicines or substances that interact with NuvaRing, and should be avoided against simultaneous use are:

·        Carbamazepine, bosentan, phenytoin, barbiturates, ascorbic acid, acetaminophen, and felbamate.

·        CYP3A4 inhibitors like itraconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole, grapefruit juice, and ketoconazole.

·        Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, oxcarbazepine, rufinamide, aprepitant, rifampicin, griseofulvin, topiramate, and rifabutin.