THE RING

NuvaRing®

A woman places the ring in her vagina for three weeks. She takes it out the fourth week during her period.

The ring is a combined hormonal method (synthetic estrogen and progestin) and works by preventing your ovaries from releasing eggs, and also thickens your cervical mucus, which blocks sperm from getting to the egg.

We can provide up to a three-month supply of the ring at a time.

How The Ring Works

Small (one size fits all) flexible ring that is placed in the vagina.
Slowly releases low dose hormones (estrogen and progestin) that are similar to the ones a women’s body naturally makes
Stops eggs from leaving the ovary no egg can be fertilized
Thickens the liquid at the cervix (opening to the uterus) to prevent sperm from getting into the uterus

How The Ring is Used

Requires a prescription from a qualified health care provider
Woman places it in her vagina for 3 weeks, then after 1 week, puts in a new one
If the ring is accidentally left in for more than 4 weeks and you’ve had sex, pregnancy can happen
If the ring slips out of the vagina, and it has been out less than 3 hours, rinse it with cool water and put it back in. If it is out of the vagina more than 3 hours, a new ring is needed.
Some women say they are aware that the ring is in their vagina, but it should not be felt by the woman or her partner once it is in place.

Advantages

No need to do or remember anything every day; easy to use and very effective.
No need to interrupt sex
Ability to get pregnant again starts right after you stop using the ring.
Periods are usually lighter, more regular and with less cramping.
Helps protect against ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, and iron deficiency
May improve acne.

Possible Problems or Disadvantages

Does not protect against STls, including HIV
May delay or prevent breastfeeding.
Can cause spotting between periods (especially in the first few months)
May cause mood changes, increased vaginal discharge, headaches, and/or nausea
Most healthy women can use the ring with no problems, but serious possible side effects include: blood clots, heart attacks, and stroke. Cigarette smoking can increase this risk, so women using the ring are encouraged not to smoke.
Some women who have had certain cardiovascular problems or who have migraines with auras should not use the ring.

How Well Does It Prevent Pregnancy?

Effectiveness depends on using the ring correctly
With typical use 9 out of 100 women will become pregnant in a year while using the ring.

Reminders

Store the ring in a cool place until ready to use.
Do not flush used rings down the toilet
Call your health care provider right away if you have: pain in the chest, calf, stomach or head, shortness of breath, vomiting dizziness, problems with vision or speech, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, heavy bleeding, swelling, or depression

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At Access Esperanza Clinics, we offer opportunities and hope for people to plan their futures and stay healthy. You can count on us for quality, affordable, and confidential care at all of our health clinics.

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