Many women enjoy the convenience of usingNuvaRing. Thishormonal contraceptiveis an effective method of birth control that you only need to insert once a month.
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But, as with anybirth control method, how well NuvaRing works at preventing pregnancy directly relies on you using it properly. So, if you use NuvaRing (or plan to), it is important that you know how to use it correctly and what to do in case your NuvaRing falls out or if youforgot to take it out.
Why Can The NuvaRing Fall Out?
NuvaRingmayslip out when:
So, it is important that you check after any of these events to make sure that your NuvaRing didn’t fall out. It may also be helpful to know that if you have a condition that affects the vagina, like a prolapsed (dropped) uterus, your NuvaRing may be more likely to fall out.
If it seems like your NuvaRing falls out a lot, you should talk to your healthcare provider to see if there may be a better contraceptive method for you.
What to Do
So, what happens if you suddenly discover that your NuvaRing fell out? Well, first of all, don’t panic! It’s time for some quick thinking and action.
If Your NuvaRing Fell Out Less Than 3 Hours Ago
If it has been out less than three hours since your NuvaRing fell out, you should still be protected against unintended pregnancy.
Here’s what to do:
Now, this is important: make sure that you reinsert your NuvaRing withinthreehours of it falling out.
If your NuvaRing fell out more than three hours ago.
If your NuvaRing is out formore than three hours during week 1 or week 2, your NuvaRing’s effectiveness may be compromised (meaning, it may not work anymore).
What to do:
Make sure that you read the insert that comes inside your NuvaRing package for more detailed information about NuvaRing use, risks, and effectiveness.
If your NuvaRing is out forlonger than three hours during week 3, throw away the NuvaRing that fell out.
You can choose one of the following two options:
Consider using emergency contraception (such as PlanB, Take Action, Ella) as a backup method for birth control if you aren’t using condoms/spermicide.
If Your NuvaRing Breaks
It is also possible that your NuvaRing may break—so it will no longer be in a complete circle. This does not affect the NuvaRing from releasing its hormones. As long as the NuvaRing stays in your vagina, it will still be effective at preventing pregnancy.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, your NuvaRing can fall out. However, it is unlikely that you won’t notice it when it comes out. The NuvaRing can slip out of place when taking out a tampon, during sex, and from bearing down to push out a bowel movement.As long as the NuvaRing is inside you and you do not feel it when walking around, it is in the right place. If it feels uncomfortable, try pushing it in deeper or moving its placement with your finger.If your NuvaRing falls out, rinse it in cold or warm (not hot) water and put it back in. If it has been more than three hours since the NuvaRing came out, use a backup birth control method, like condoms, for the rest of your cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, your NuvaRing can fall out. However, it is unlikely that you won’t notice it when it comes out. The NuvaRing can slip out of place when taking out a tampon, during sex, and from bearing down to push out a bowel movement.
As long as the NuvaRing is inside you and you do not feel it when walking around, it is in the right place. If it feels uncomfortable, try pushing it in deeper or moving its placement with your finger.
If your NuvaRing falls out, rinse it in cold or warm (not hot) water and put it back in. If it has been more than three hours since the NuvaRing came out, use a backup birth control method, like condoms, for the rest of your cycle.
SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.Frequently asked questions about NuvaRing. 2019.Kubba A, Lete I, Briggs P. “NuvaRing: A vaginal contraceptive.” Trends in Urology, Gynaecology & Sexual Health. 2010; 15(1):17-22. Accessed via private subscription.
Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.Frequently asked questions about NuvaRing. 2019.Kubba A, Lete I, Briggs P. “NuvaRing: A vaginal contraceptive.” Trends in Urology, Gynaecology & Sexual Health. 2010; 15(1):17-22. Accessed via private subscription.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.Frequently asked questions about NuvaRing. 2019.Kubba A, Lete I, Briggs P. “NuvaRing: A vaginal contraceptive.” Trends in Urology, Gynaecology & Sexual Health. 2010; 15(1):17-22. Accessed via private subscription.
Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V.Frequently asked questions about NuvaRing. 2019.
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