The vaginal ring is flexible, transparent and contains 2 hormones: estrogen (etinilestradiol) and progesterone ( etonogestrel). The hormones are absorbed through the vaginal wall directly into the blood stream.
The vaginal ring is kept inside the vagina during three weeks and removed in the forth week when the monthly menstruation occurs.
NuvaRing acts exactly like the pill, through ovulation inhibition.
The local way of administrating it is benefic because it avoids making the liver process the hormones and the contraceptive efficiency is not affected by the gastric – intestinal issues (nausea, diarrhea) that can suspend the effect of oral contraceptives.
The ring has no negative impact on the vaginal microbiology, or on the results of any tests on vaginal secretion. During its use, the woman can take any type of vaginal treatment if a local infection calls for it. The tampons do not interfere with the ring’s use and neither do the antibiotics.
To insert the ring one must assume the most comfortable position, with a foot up, or lying down. The sides of the ring must be squeezed together and the ring pushed completely inside the vagina. The position is not exactly relevant but if it is inserted deep enough inside the vagina you will have very little chances to feel the ring because the vagina muscles will keep it in the right position.
The ring is easy to remove using the index finger bent like a hook or by compressing it between the index and the ring finger.
If you forget to remove it after the four weeks have passed, there is no problem whatsoever. You will have your period after you remove the ring. If you waited more than 7 days before inserting a new ring or you kept the ring more than 4 weeks, you must insert a new contraceptive ring as soon as possible in order to start a new cycle of four weeks.
In the first 7 days of the first use, you must use another method of contraception simultaneously with the ring.
