What is NuvaRing?
NuvaRing is a flexible, transparent plastic ring for hormonal prevention. It is introduced into the vagina and gives off continuously low hormone doses there for 3 weeks – the gestagen etonogestrel and the estrogen ethinylestradiol.
Unlike the pill, the hormones are not absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract, but directly via the vaginal wall into the bloodstream. As a result, the overall hormone exposure is lower, and the effect is not affected by vomiting or diarrhea.
The Pearl index is 0.4 to 0.65 – comparable to the combination pill.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Etonogestrel 11,7 mg, Ethinylestradiol 2,7 mg
NuvaRing prevents pregnancy by the same mechanisms as the combination pill:
Ovulation inhibition: The hormones suppress the ovulation by inhibiting the gonadotropin distribution from the pancreas.
Zervixschleim: The cervical neck mucus becomes more viscous and forms a barrier for sperm.
Endometrium: The cervical mucosa is less developed.
Speciality of vaginal application: Since the hormones are absorbed directly via the vaginal wall, the liver is less stressed (first pass effect is partially eliminated). Daily hormone release is lower than most pills, but nevertheless effective.
Who is it suitable for?
NuvaRing is suitable for women who:
- Wishing reliable hormonal contraception
- Do not want to take pills daily
- have problems taking the pill regularly
- suffer from gastrointestinal complaints (breaking, diarrhea)
Especially suitable for:
- irregular daily routine
- Often forgetting the pill
- nausea under the pill
- Desire for discrete prevention
Not suitable for:
- Strong overweight (BMI > 30) – can affect effectiveness
- uterus reduction or vaginal incident
- Certain vaginal infections
- The same contraindications as combination pills
Available Dosages
Active content in the ring:
- Etonogestrel: 11.7 mg (daily release: about 0.120 mg)
- Ethinylestradiol: 2.7 mg (daily release: about 0.015 mg)
Ring dimensions:
- Diameter: approx. 54 mm
- cross-section: approx. 4 mm
Pack sizes:
- 1 ring (1 month)
- 3 rings (3 months)
Application cycle: Take 3 weeks, 1 week break.
How to Take
Insert the ring: 1. Remove ring from packaging Two. Press the ring between thumb and index finger 3. In comfortable position (standing raised with one leg, hockening or lying) introduce deep into the vagina 4. The exact position is not important – the ring does not have to lie directly at the mother's mouth
Training time: The ring remains in the vagina for 3 weeks (21 days). It is then removed, followed by a 1-week break in which a bleed normally occurs.
Remove: Grab the index finger under the ring and pull it out. Dispose the used ring in the packaging (do not throw into the toilet).
Use new ring: After exactly 7 ring-free days use the new ring – on the same weekday and about the same time as when removing it.
If the ring slips out:
- Less than 3 hours: rinse with cold/blue warm water and reuse
- More than 3 hours: How to treat forgotten pill, additionally 7 days condom
Sex with ring: The ring can remain in the vagina during intercourse. Most couples don't feel him. If desired, it can be removed for a maximum of 3 hours.
Contraindications
**NuvaRing must not be applied at:* *
- Thromboembolic diseases (currently or earlier)
- **Hohem thrombosis risk * *
- **Black cardiovascular diseases * *
- **Migrine with aura* *
- **Black liver disease * *
- **Hormon-dependent tumors * *
- **Unexplained vaginal bleeding * *
- ** pregnant * *
Special caution:
- Smoking over 35 years
- Strong overweight
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Familiary thrombosis tendency
Thrombosis risk: The risk is comparable to pills containing Etonogestrel or Desogestrel, and slightly higher than with Levonorgestrel-containing pills.
Possible Side Effects
Acid (1-10%):
- Headaches
- vaginal infection, outflow
- nausea
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Breast tensions
- Pain in the pelvic area
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Ring-related complaints
** Occasionally (0,1-1%):* *
- Libido changes
- mood swings
- Migraine
- Blowing
- Alopecia
- Skin rash
Selten, but seriously:
- Thromboembolia (venous and arterial)
Local complaints: Some women report a feeling of foreign body that usually disappears after a few days.
Interactions
Deficiency reduction by:
- Antiepileptic (Phenytoin, Carbamazepine)
- Rifampicin
- HIV drugs
- St. John's wort
No impairment by:
- vaginal antimycotics (skin fungus treatment)
- Tampons
- Spermicidal
Important: In contrast to the pill, the effect is not impaired by vomiting or diarrhea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is NuvaRing right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.