How Does NuvaRing 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. The ring should be removed 3 weeks after insertion, on the same day of the week as it was inserted.
Your menstrual period will usually start 2 to 3 days after you remove NuvaRing. After a 1-week break, you insert a new ring. It is important that you insert a new ring on the same day of the week as it was removed in the last cycle, even if your menstrual period has not stopped.
If you are already using NuvaRing, you can help you keep track of your schedule with the NuvaTime™ Desktop Tool.
Prescription NuvaRing is a flexible vaginal ring approved for the prevention of pregnancy in women.
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.
Please read the Patient Information for NuvaRing, including the information about the increased risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially in women who smoke, and discuss it with your doctor. The physician Prescribing Information is also available.
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