How Does It Work?

NuvaRing contains 2 types of hormones: estrogen and progestin, which work together to prevent your ovaries from producing mature eggs. These are the same hormones found in the Pill, and they work the same way in your body even though they are administered differently with NuvaRing.

With NuvaRing, hormone release is activated once the ring comes into contact with your vagina. The hormones are then absorbed and distributed into your bloodstream.

When used as directed, NuvaRing works as well as the Pill—it is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

NuvaRing works with your cycle

Over the course of 3 weeks, NuvaRing releases a continuous low dose of estrogen and progestin. Higher estrogen and progestin levels signal your brain not to release the hormones that cause egg maturation. Without an egg ready to be released into the fallopian tube, ovulation cannot occur.

A few days after you remove NuvaRing, the lining of the uterus begins to shed and you get your period.

Your new cycle begins again on the 29th day, which is the first day you insert your new ring after being ring-free for a week. It is important that you insert your new ring on the same day of the week each month.

If you are already using NuvaRing, you can help you keep track of your schedule by downloading this simple tool.

Next: How Do I Use It? >>

Prescription NuvaRing is a flexible vaginal ring approved for the prevention of pregnancy in women.

For additional important information, please see the PRODUCT INFORMATION, INCLUDING BOXED WARNING.

Important Safety Information:

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects when you use combination oral contraceptives. This risk increases even more if you are over age 35 and if you smoke 15 or more cigarettes a day. Women who use combination hormonal contraceptives, including NuvaRing, are strongly advised not to smoke

The use of combination oral contraceptives is associated with increased risks of several serious side effects, including blood clots, stroke or heart attack. NuvaRing is not for women with a history of these conditions. The risk of getting blood clots may be greater with the type of progestin in NuvaRing than with some other progestins in certain low-dose birth control pills. It is unknown if the risk of blood clots is different with NuvaRing use than with the use of certain birth control pills
NuvaRing is not for women with certain cancers or those who may be pregnant.
NuvaRing does not protect against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases
The most common side effects reported by NuvaRing users are: vaginal infections and irritation, vaginal secretion, headache, weight gain, and nausea

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Learn more about NuvaRing: 1-877-NUVARING

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This site is intended only for residents of the United States, its territories and Puerto Rico.
Copyright © 2011 N.V. Organon., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
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