Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How NuvaRing Works
Contraceptive Benefits
Other Benefits
Drawbacks
Side Effects
Precautions
Cost
When to See a Provider
The NuvaRing is ahormonal prescription birth control. You insert it into your vagina for three weeks, then remove it to take a break for one week, and then insert a new ring to restart the four-week cycle.
NuvaRing is a brand name, and it’s not the only vaginal ring birth control available. In 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first generic version of the NuvaRing, EluRyng.
You may experience side effects with the NuvaRing, and it’s not recommended for people with certain health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.Additionally, the NuvaRing does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).Your healthcare provider can help you decide whether the NuvaRing is right for you.
This article will discuss the NuvaRing, including how it works, its effectiveness, and how to use it. It will also discuss potential side effects and who the ring is not recommended for.
BSIP / Getty Images
How the NuvaRing Prevents Pregnancy
The NuvaRing contains two hormones: estrogen (in the form of ethinyl estradiol, 2.7 milligrams (mg)) and progestin (in the form of etonogestrel, 11.7 mg). It is considered a combination hormonal contraceptive.
Studies show the NuvaRing is effective at preventing pregnancy for a month and is superior to some other contraceptive rings on the market when it comes to preventing ovulation.
To get the NuvaRing, you will need a prescription from your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will likely conduct a medical evaluation, blood pressure check, andpelvic exam. You can then have your NuvaRing prescription filled at a local pharmacy.
Contraceptive Benefits of the NuvaRing
As a contraceptive, NuvaRing has these advantages:
No STI ProtectionThe NuvaRing offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you want to have STI protection while using NuvaRing, ask your partner towear a condomor use adental dam.
No STI Protection
The NuvaRing offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you want to have STI protection while using NuvaRing, ask your partner towear a condomor use adental dam.
Birth Control Effectiveness and Comparison
Effectiveness
The NuvaRing is 91% to 99.7% effective, depending on use.This means that with perfect use, fewer than one out of every 100 people who use the birth control ring will become pregnant in one year. With typical use, nine out of every 100 people who use NuvaRing will become pregnant in one year.
The effectiveness of the NuvaRing can be reduced if you use it incorrectly. You may be more at risk for pregnancy if:
The insert in your NuvaRing package has more detailed information about the use, risks, and effectiveness of the birth control ring. It also includes helpful steps in case your NuvaRing falls out or breaks.
When you first begin using the NuvaRing, how quickly it provides pregnancy protection depends on:
Your healthcare provider will advise you on how long to use a backup birth control method. The NuvaRing package insert also has helpful information.
Other Benefits of the NuvaRing
The NuvaRing may offer some of the same non-contraceptive advantages as the birth control pill. Some of these additional benefits may include protection against:
Drawbacks of the NuvaRing
Some disadvantages are linked to NuvaRing birth control use:
The NuvaRing is simple to use. You only need to insert this birth control ring into the vagina one time each month: on day one of week one of your menstrual cycle.
After 21 days (three weeks), you’ll need to remove your NuvaRing from your vagina. Leave it out throughout week four—at this time, you will most likely have your period. You will remain protected against pregnancy, even if you have sex during week four when your NuvaRing is not inserted.
At the end of week four, insert a new NuvaRing. Remember: Vaginal rings are not reusable.
The NuvaRing is simple to insert, similar to a tampon. To put one in:
From then on, the muscles in your vaginal wall will keep the NuvaRing in place and you’re unlikely to feel it at all. If the ring is uncomfortable, try pushing it farther up into your vagina. There’s no danger of it getting too high or lost inside you.
Make sure to insert your vaginal ring on the same day of the week that you inserted it during your last cycle. If you don’t, your chance of becoming pregnant increases.
Removing the NuvaRing
Removing the NuvaRing is generally easy as well.
What to Do if the Ring Falls OutIf your ring slips out of your vagina but appears usable, rinse it in cool water and reinsert it. If the ring is lost or unusable, insert a new ring. If it’s out for less than three hours, you should still be protected from pregnancy.
What to Do if the Ring Falls Out
If your ring slips out of your vagina but appears usable, rinse it in cool water and reinsert it. If the ring is lost or unusable, insert a new ring. If it’s out for less than three hours, you should still be protected from pregnancy.
If the ring is out for more than three hours during the first two weeks of use, use a backup birth control method until the ring has been back in for seven days. In other situations, the NuvaRing packaging information can be a helpful guide—or you can contact your healthcare provider.
What to Do If Your NuvaRing Falls Out
Combined estrogen-progestin hormonal birth control options like NuvaRing have more potential side effects than progestin-only products.However, the added estrogen can lower the risk of breakthrough bleeding that you have when you’re only taking progestin.
Make sure to see a healthcare provider at least once a year for a blood pressure check and other relevant tests.
Common Side Effects
Many users don’t experience NuvaRing side effects. Among those who do, the side effects usually go away after two to three months of use.The most common side effects listed in the NuvaRing packaging include:
Less Common Side Effects
Less common side effects and risks include:
Rare but Serious Side Effects
Rare but serious risks include:
Additionally, if you have a family history ofangioedema(swelling in deep layers of skin), the estrogen in NuvaRing may make your angioedema symptoms worse.
Prior to getting your NuvaRing, let your healthcare provider know your full medical and family histories.
10 Drugs That Make Your Birth Control Fail
Precautions and Contraindications
The NuvaRing is generally safe and well-tolerated.However, it is important that you honestly discuss your complete medical history with your healthcare provider before using the NuvaRing.
The NuvaRing is not recommended if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, are over 35 and smoke cigarettes, or if you had or will have a major surgery within 30 days.
The NuvaRing is not recommended if you have a history of the following medical conditions:
Let your healthcare provider know if anyone in your family has had these conditions—the NuvaRing may not be suitable for you if you have a family history of:
Typically, serious problems do not occur very often with hormonal birth control use. You may even be able to still use NuvaRing even if you have certain risk factors—as long as you remain under close medical supervision.
Costs Associated With the NuvaRing
If you use NuvaRing, costs will include the price of each month’s NuvaRing pack, plus the expense of having a medical exam (in order to get the prescription). Most insurances, including Medicaid, cover the NuvaRing itself so you can get it for free or at a low cost.
Government programs are also available to help you pay for the NuvaRing, if you qualify. If none of these options are available to you, the NuvaRing may cost up to $200.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Some possible side effects of NuvaRing are serious enough to warrant immediate medical attention. You should see a healthcare provider right away if you experience:
Other things that warrant a call to the healthcare provider include:
Also, see your healthcare provider if any side effects last longer than expected or become severe or especially bothersome.
Summary
Some potential side effects of the NuvaRing include vaginal pain, itching, discharge, and odor; discomfort from the ring; headaches; and mood changes. These usually go away after two to three months of using the ring. In rare cases, serious side effects such as blood clots may occur. Some people may not be able to use NuvaRing, including those with a personal or family history of heart or liver diseases.
17 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.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Morbidity and mortality weekly report (MMWR): April 25, 2014. Appendix D: contraceptive effectiveness.MedlinePlus.Estrogen and progestin (vaginal ring contraceptives).Pharmacy Times.FDA approves first generic version of NuvaRing. Published December 13, 2019.NuvaRing.Possible risks and side effects of NuvaRing.Food and Drug Administration.NuvaRing (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring).Duijkers I, Klipping C, Heger-Mahn D, et al.Phase II dose-finding study on ovulation inhibition and cycle control associated with the use of contraceptive vaginal rings containing 17β-estradiol and the progestagens etonogestrel or nomegestrol acetate compared to NuvaRing.Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2018;23(4):245-254. doi:10.1080/13625187.2018.1506101The Permanente Medical Group: My Doctor Online.The birth control ring.Algorta J, Diaz M, de Benito R, et al.Pharmacokinetic bioequivalence, safety and acceptability of Ornibel®, a new polymer composition contraceptive vaginal ring (etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol 11.00/3.474 mg) compared with Nuvaring® (etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol 11.7/2.7 mg).Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2017;22(6):429-438. doi:10.1080/13625187.2017.1413179Bahamondes L, Valeria Bahamondes M, Shulman LP.Non-contraceptive benefits of hormonal and intrauterine reversible contraceptive methods.Hum Reprod Update. 2015;21(5):640-651. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmv023Madej P, Franik G, Kurpas P, Owczarek A, Chudek J, Olszanecka-Glinianowicz M.Evaluation of adipokines, inflammatory markers, and sex hormones in simple and complex breast cysts' fluid.Dis Markers. 2016;2016:5174929. doi:10.1155/2016/5174929American Academy of Family Physicians: familydoctor.org.Progestin-only birth control pills.Stewart M, Black K.Choosing a combined oral contraceptive pill.Aust Prescr. 2015;38(1):6-11. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2015.002Planned Parenthood.What are the side effects of the birth control ring?MedlinePlus.Vaginitis.Al-Haddad S, Branham KKR, Clare CA.Advances in contraception: vaginal contraceptive rings.Ther Adv Reprod Health. 2023;17:26334941231186733. Published 2023 Jul 14. doi:10.1177/26334941231186733Planned Parenthood.How do I get the birth control ring?TeensHealth from Nemours.Birth control ring.Additional ReadingU.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA AccessData.Patient information: NuvaRing (NEW-vah-ring):(stonogetrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring).
17 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.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Morbidity and mortality weekly report (MMWR): April 25, 2014. Appendix D: contraceptive effectiveness.MedlinePlus.Estrogen and progestin (vaginal ring contraceptives).Pharmacy Times.FDA approves first generic version of NuvaRing. Published December 13, 2019.NuvaRing.Possible risks and side effects of NuvaRing.Food and Drug Administration.NuvaRing (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring).Duijkers I, Klipping C, Heger-Mahn D, et al.Phase II dose-finding study on ovulation inhibition and cycle control associated with the use of contraceptive vaginal rings containing 17β-estradiol and the progestagens etonogestrel or nomegestrol acetate compared to NuvaRing.Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2018;23(4):245-254. doi:10.1080/13625187.2018.1506101The Permanente Medical Group: My Doctor Online.The birth control ring.Algorta J, Diaz M, de Benito R, et al.Pharmacokinetic bioequivalence, safety and acceptability of Ornibel®, a new polymer composition contraceptive vaginal ring (etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol 11.00/3.474 mg) compared with Nuvaring® (etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol 11.7/2.7 mg).Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2017;22(6):429-438. doi:10.1080/13625187.2017.1413179Bahamondes L, Valeria Bahamondes M, Shulman LP.Non-contraceptive benefits of hormonal and intrauterine reversible contraceptive methods.Hum Reprod Update. 2015;21(5):640-651. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmv023Madej P, Franik G, Kurpas P, Owczarek A, Chudek J, Olszanecka-Glinianowicz M.Evaluation of adipokines, inflammatory markers, and sex hormones in simple and complex breast cysts' fluid.Dis Markers. 2016;2016:5174929. doi:10.1155/2016/5174929American Academy of Family Physicians: familydoctor.org.Progestin-only birth control pills.Stewart M, Black K.Choosing a combined oral contraceptive pill.Aust Prescr. 2015;38(1):6-11. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2015.002Planned Parenthood.What are the side effects of the birth control ring?MedlinePlus.Vaginitis.Al-Haddad S, Branham KKR, Clare CA.Advances in contraception: vaginal contraceptive rings.Ther Adv Reprod Health. 2023;17:26334941231186733. Published 2023 Jul 14. doi:10.1177/26334941231186733Planned Parenthood.How do I get the birth control ring?TeensHealth from Nemours.Birth control ring.Additional ReadingU.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA AccessData.Patient information: NuvaRing (NEW-vah-ring):(stonogetrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring).
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.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Morbidity and mortality weekly report (MMWR): April 25, 2014. Appendix D: contraceptive effectiveness.MedlinePlus.Estrogen and progestin (vaginal ring contraceptives).Pharmacy Times.FDA approves first generic version of NuvaRing. Published December 13, 2019.NuvaRing.Possible risks and side effects of NuvaRing.Food and Drug Administration.NuvaRing (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring).Duijkers I, Klipping C, Heger-Mahn D, et al.Phase II dose-finding study on ovulation inhibition and cycle control associated with the use of contraceptive vaginal rings containing 17β-estradiol and the progestagens etonogestrel or nomegestrol acetate compared to NuvaRing.Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2018;23(4):245-254. doi:10.1080/13625187.2018.1506101The Permanente Medical Group: My Doctor Online.The birth control ring.Algorta J, Diaz M, de Benito R, et al.Pharmacokinetic bioequivalence, safety and acceptability of Ornibel®, a new polymer composition contraceptive vaginal ring (etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol 11.00/3.474 mg) compared with Nuvaring® (etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol 11.7/2.7 mg).Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2017;22(6):429-438. doi:10.1080/13625187.2017.1413179Bahamondes L, Valeria Bahamondes M, Shulman LP.Non-contraceptive benefits of hormonal and intrauterine reversible contraceptive methods.Hum Reprod Update. 2015;21(5):640-651. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmv023Madej P, Franik G, Kurpas P, Owczarek A, Chudek J, Olszanecka-Glinianowicz M.Evaluation of adipokines, inflammatory markers, and sex hormones in simple and complex breast cysts' fluid.Dis Markers. 2016;2016:5174929. doi:10.1155/2016/5174929American Academy of Family Physicians: familydoctor.org.Progestin-only birth control pills.Stewart M, Black K.Choosing a combined oral contraceptive pill.Aust Prescr. 2015;38(1):6-11. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2015.002Planned Parenthood.What are the side effects of the birth control ring?MedlinePlus.Vaginitis.Al-Haddad S, Branham KKR, Clare CA.Advances in contraception: vaginal contraceptive rings.Ther Adv Reprod Health. 2023;17:26334941231186733. Published 2023 Jul 14. doi:10.1177/26334941231186733Planned Parenthood.How do I get the birth control ring?TeensHealth from Nemours.Birth control ring.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Morbidity and mortality weekly report (MMWR): April 25, 2014. Appendix D: contraceptive effectiveness.
MedlinePlus.Estrogen and progestin (vaginal ring contraceptives).
Pharmacy Times.FDA approves first generic version of NuvaRing. Published December 13, 2019.
NuvaRing.Possible risks and side effects of NuvaRing.
Food and Drug Administration.NuvaRing (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring).
Duijkers I, Klipping C, Heger-Mahn D, et al.Phase II dose-finding study on ovulation inhibition and cycle control associated with the use of contraceptive vaginal rings containing 17β-estradiol and the progestagens etonogestrel or nomegestrol acetate compared to NuvaRing.Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2018;23(4):245-254. doi:10.1080/13625187.2018.1506101
The Permanente Medical Group: My Doctor Online.The birth control ring.
Algorta J, Diaz M, de Benito R, et al.Pharmacokinetic bioequivalence, safety and acceptability of Ornibel®, a new polymer composition contraceptive vaginal ring (etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol 11.00/3.474 mg) compared with Nuvaring® (etonogestrel/ethinylestradiol 11.7/2.7 mg).Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2017;22(6):429-438. doi:10.1080/13625187.2017.1413179
Bahamondes L, Valeria Bahamondes M, Shulman LP.Non-contraceptive benefits of hormonal and intrauterine reversible contraceptive methods.Hum Reprod Update. 2015;21(5):640-651. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmv023
Madej P, Franik G, Kurpas P, Owczarek A, Chudek J, Olszanecka-Glinianowicz M.Evaluation of adipokines, inflammatory markers, and sex hormones in simple and complex breast cysts' fluid.Dis Markers. 2016;2016:5174929. doi:10.1155/2016/5174929
American Academy of Family Physicians: familydoctor.org.Progestin-only birth control pills.
Stewart M, Black K.Choosing a combined oral contraceptive pill.Aust Prescr. 2015;38(1):6-11. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2015.002
Planned Parenthood.What are the side effects of the birth control ring?
MedlinePlus.Vaginitis.
Al-Haddad S, Branham KKR, Clare CA.Advances in contraception: vaginal contraceptive rings.Ther Adv Reprod Health. 2023;17:26334941231186733. Published 2023 Jul 14. doi:10.1177/26334941231186733
Planned Parenthood.How do I get the birth control ring?
TeensHealth from Nemours.Birth control ring.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA AccessData.Patient information: NuvaRing (NEW-vah-ring):(stonogetrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring).
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
