Below are some basic guidelines for starting NuvaRing®. As with any birth control, you should talk to your doctor and consult the Full Product Information for more details.
See for yourself how easy it is to get started with NuvaRing®:
- If you are switching to NuvaRing® from another hormonal birth control method
- If you haven’t used a hormonal birth control in the past month or have been using only condoms, a diaphragm, or other barrier method of birth control in the past month
- If you have delivered a baby or had a second-trimester abortion
- If you had a complete first-trimester abortion or miscarriage
No matter which hormonal birth control you are currently using, it’s easy to make the switch to NuvaRing®. When exactly you begin NuvaRing® will depend on your specific birth control method. Below are some basic guidelines, but you should talk to your doctor and consult the Full Product Information for more details.
Switching from a pill (combination progestin and estrogen)
You can start NuvaRing® on any day—but the latest day you can begin on is the day after taking your last “inactive” (hormone-free) pill. If you have been using your birth control consistently and correctly, you should not need an extra birth control method when you transition.Switching from a patch (combination progestin and estrogen)
You can start NuvaRing® on any day—but the latest day you can begin on is the one following your usual patch-free week. If you have been using your hormonal birth control consistently and correctly, you should not need an extra birth control method when you transition.Switching from a mini-pill (progestogen-only)
You can start NuvaRing® on any day. During the first 7 days of using NuvaRing®, be sure to use an extra method of birth control (such as a condom or spermicide).Switching from an injection (progestogen-only)
You should start NuvaRing® on the day when your next injection would be due. During the first 7 days of using NuvaRing®, be sure to use an extra method of birth control (such as a condom or spermicide).Switching from an intrauterine system (IUS) or implant (progestogen-only)
You should start NuvaRing® on the day your IUS or implant is removed. During the first 7 days of using NuvaRing®, be sure to use an extra method of birth control (such as a condom or spermicide).
If you haven’t used a hormonal birth control in the past month or have been using only condoms, a diaphragm, or other barrier method of birth control in the past month
Count the first day of your menstrual period as Day 1, and insert your first NuvaRing® into your vagina on or before Day 5 (but no later, even if you have not finished your period). During this first cycle, use an extra method of birth control, such as male condoms or spermicide, for the first 7 days of NuvaRing® use. If you insert NuvaRing® on Day 1, it is not necessary to use an extra method of birth control.
If you choose not to breastfeed, you may start NuvaRing® 4 weeks postpartum. Women who are breastfeeding should not use NuvaRing® until the child is weaned. Until then choose another form of birth control.
When NuvaRing® is used postpartum or postabortion, the increased risk of thromboembolism (a blood clot) must be considered. For more information, see the Full Product Information and consult your doctor. If you begin using NuvaRing® postpartum you will need to use an additional method of birth control (such as condoms or spermicide) for the first 7 days. If you have not yet had a period, the possibility of ovulation and conception occurring prior to starting NuvaRing® should be considered.
If you start using NuvaRing® within 5 days after a complete first-trimester abortion or miscarriage, you do not need to use an extra birth control method.
If you do not start NuvaRing® within 5 days after a first-trimester abortion or miscarriage, begin NuvaRing® during the time of your next period. Counting the first day of your menstrual period as Day 1, insert your first NuvaRing® on or before Day 5—even if you have not finished your menstrual period. During this first cycle, use an extra method of birth control (a barrier method such as condoms or spermicide) for the first 7 days of NuvaRing® use.
