The NuvaRing is a contraceptive tool consisting of a small ring that fits into the vagina. Its action consists in continuously releasing a low dose of hormones (estrogen and progestin) which help prevent pregnancy. It is 98% effective and needs to be replaced once a month.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Deciding if the NuvaRing is a Valid Solution for Your Case
Step 1. Do not use the NuvaRing if you suffer from certain medical conditions
Discuss every detail of your medical history with your gynecologist before deciding whether to use this device. The NuvaRing, in fact, is not safe for women who:
- They smoke and are over 35 years old;
- They are at high risk for blood clots, stroke or heart attack;
- They have high blood pressure and don't cure it;
- They are diabetic and have kidney, eye, nerve or blood vessel damage;
- Suffering from migraines;
- They have liver pathologies;
- They have liver tumors
- Suffer from unexplained vaginal bleeding;
- Have had breast cancer or other hormonal-related cancers;
- They are pregnant or they could be.
Step 2. Do not rely on the NuvaRing to protect yourself from HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted diseases
This product cannot stop the infection during vaginal, anal or oral intercourse. To reduce the risk of getting these conditions, you can:
- Refrain from any sexual activity;
- Establish a monogamous sexual relationship with a healthy partner;
- Use other methods of protection, such as a male or female condom.
Step 3. Tell your gynecologist about all drug therapies you are on
This also means letting them know all the herbal supplements and home remedies you are taking. This is an important detail, as some medicines can interfere with the effectiveness of the NuvaRing. Here is a short list of these drugs:
- Rifampicin (an antibiotic);
- Griseofulvin (an antifungal);
- Some HIV medicines;
- Certain anticonvulsants;
- Hypericum.
Step 4. Do further research if you still have any doubts
It is vital to be well informed before making a decision. You can document yourself better:
- Contacting the gynecologist;
- By consulting this site (in English);
- Through some online research.
Part 2 of 2: Insert the NuvaRing
Step 1. Get a prescription from your gynecologist
If you haven't had a pelvic exam recently, your doctor will likely do it to check your vagina, cervix, ovaries, and uterus. The visit will only last a few minutes and the entire appointment will typically take less than an hour. You can go to your trusted gynecologist, in a family clinic or make an appointment at the hospital. Eventually, you will get the prescription with which to buy the NuvaRing at the pharmacy. The ring is available in one size only.
- Ask your doctor if the NuvaRing is right for your lifestyle, budget, and contraceptive needs. Also, remember that this is not a way to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV. If you have any health concerns, are taking other medications, or are concerned about side effects, discuss this with your gynecologist beforehand.
- The NuvaRing costs between 15 and 20 euros, must be stored at room temperature and protected from sunlight. Do not use an expired ring.
Step 2. Insert the first NuvaRing during the first five days of the menstrual cycle
This way, you will be properly protected from unwanted pregnancy. If you put it later in your cycle, you will need to use another contraceptive method concurrently for at least seven days.
- Condoms and spermicidal creams are great supportive methods.
- Cervical caps, diaphragms and contraceptive sponges should be avoided, as they are difficult to insert correctly.
- After a vaginal birth, wait at least three weeks before using the NuvaRing. If you run a high risk of thrombosis, you will have to wait even longer. Ask your gynecologist for advice.
- If you are breastfeeding, discuss the use of the ring with your doctor, as some hormones may be transferred to the baby through the milk.
Step 3. Choose a comfortable position for insertion
You will need to proceed in a similar way to putting on a tampon, so it is very likely that the action will be easier if you are in the same position. To insert it you can:
- Lie on your back in bed. This method is best if you are nervous;
- Sit on the toilet or in a chair
- Stand with one leg raised, perhaps leaning against the toilet. Many women report that this is the best method for the first few times.
Step 4. Prepare the NuvaRing
First, wash your hands thoroughly before opening the package.
- Open it using the notch on the casing. Tear it off gently, as you will have to keep it.
- Keep the sealable wrapper so you can use it to store and throw away the used ring.
- Pinch the sides of the ring flattening it between your thumb and forefinger. This way you should get an elongated loop. You are now ready to insert.
Step 5. Slide the folded ring into the vagina
Use your index finger to push it in.
- If you feel discomfort, you probably haven't inserted it deep enough.
- It is not necessary for the ring to assume a particular position to be effective. You may feel or feel it on occasion if it moves, but you shouldn't feel pain.
- If it hurts or you can't find it in your vagina, call your gynecologist. Cases have been reported in which the ring was mistakenly inserted into the bladder; if you think it happened to you too, go to the emergency room. However, be aware that this is a very rare event.
Step 6. Remove the NuvaRing after three weeks
You will need to remove it after exactly three weeks and at the same time you put it in. To do it:
- First wash your hands. Make sure you rinse them thoroughly to avoid getting soap into your body. It is best to use a neutral detergent.
- Insert your index finger into the vagina until you feel the edge of the NuvaRing. Hook the ring with your finger and gently pull it out.
- Put the used ring in the sealable bag it came in and throw it in the trash. Do not throw it in the toilet and do not leave it within the reach of children and pets.
- After exactly seven days, insert the new ring. Always do this at the same time of day that you extracted it, even if you are still menstruating.
Step 7. Don't be scared if the ring comes out a little
If you notice it sticking out of the vaginal opening, take it out completely, rinse it and reinsert it.
- If it has been out of the body for more than 48 hours, use supportive contraception for at least seven days.
- Do not use the cervical cap, diaphragm or vaginal sponge as a concomitant method of contraception, as they prevent the ring from assuming the correct position.
- A condom or a spermicide product is perfect in these situations.
- If you don't wear the ring for more than a month, you will need to use another method to avoid getting pregnant. After this time, there are no longer enough hormones to protect you. This means that you must rely on other methods for at least seven days even after inserting the new NuvaRing.
Step 8. Pay attention to side effects
Some women experience various adverse reactions, which prompt them to choose other methods of birth control. The problems that women complain the most are:
- Irritation of the vagina or cervix;
- Headache and migraine;
- Mood changes, such as depression
- Nausea;
- He retched;
- Vaginal discharge
- Weight gain
- Pain in the breast, vagina or abdomen
- Pain during menstruation;
- Pimples;
- Reduction of libido;
- Hyperglycemia;
- Increased levels of fat in the blood
- Patchy hyperpigmentation of the skin;
- Allergic reaction similar to urticaria.
Step 9. Call the emergency services if you develop serious complications from using the NuvaRing
These are rare reactions, but when they do occur they are sudden and worsen quickly. Among the problems that may arise are mentioned:
- Leg pain that does not subside
- Difficulty in breathing;
- Partial or total blindness;
- Chest pain or tightness
- Severe headache;
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
- Aphasia;
- Yellowish complexion;
- Yellow sclera;
- Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, such as sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, sunburn-like rash, dizziness and fainting.
