Best Practice

Search PageSearch
Clinics & Clinical Services - Sexual Health Clinic


Contact Us
999 Balmoral Street
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 6E7
Phone: (807) 625-5900
Toll-Free: (888) 294-6630
Phone Us Add to favourite Email this page to a friend Bigger Font SizeNormal Font SizeSmaller Font Size

Nuvaring

 NuvaRing is a flexible ring that you insert into the vagina once a month.

 

Similar to the pill, it contains the hormones estrogen and progestin.

 

·        NuvaRing prevents pregnancy by releasing the hormones into the bloodstream.

·        The hormones stop the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation)

·        The hormones also cause the cervical mucus to thicken which prevents sperm from joining with an egg.

·        The hormones also reduce the lining of the uterus so that periods are lighter.

Procedure

How to use NuvaRing:

NuvaRing is inserted in the vagina and kept in place for three weeks in a row.

·        It is then removed for a one-week break after which a new ring is inserted.

·        A menstrual period will usually occur during the one-week break.

·        The exact position of the ring inside the vagina is not critical for its function. Placed in the upper third of the vagina, the ring cannot be felt and will not interfere with intercourse.

·        Removal of the ring is done by hooking a finger under the rim of the ring and gently pulling it out.

·        If the ring is expelled, it can be rinsed off with cool water and then reinserted. If out of the vagina more than 3 hours, a barrier method should be used for the next 7 days.

When to start the NuvaRing:

If no previous contraceptive use in the past month: Insert ring on or prior to Day 5 of menstral cycle. Use additional barrier method (condom) for first 7 days.

·        Switching from birth control pills: Insert ring during the 7 days following the last active pill, and no later than the day a new pill pack would have begun. No backup method required.

·        Switching from Depo Provera: Insert ring on day when next injection is due. Use backup method for first 7 days of NuvaRing use.

·        Following an abortion: Insert ring with the first 5 days following the procedure. No backup method is required.

·        After childbirth: Insert ring 4 weeks postpartum if not breastfeeding.

Average Cost

·        Health Unit, $12.00 per month

Effectiveness

·        99% when used correctly.

 

Pros

Cons

·        Regular and lighter periods

·        Less cramping

·        Lower risk of some cancers

·        Convenient

 

·        Does not protect against STDs

·        Possible side effects are nausea, headaches, mood changes, vaginal discharge or irritation

 

 

 

Last Updated: 1/10/2007

Our other sites: ThunderBayFlu.caFairStart.ca4HealthyKidsNorthWest.ca | thunderbaybpso.ca