7 Things to Know About the Vaginal Ring

Information may not be reliable

The vaginal ring is a prescription method of birth control, also called NuvaRing. It’s a flexible, small (about two inches around), plastic ring that’s inserted into the vagina to prevent pregnancy. It works by continuously releasing progestin and estrogen which are absorbed into the bloodstream and prevent pregnancy. 

There are lots of conversations about contraception and different methods. The most popular one is the birth control pill. But the vaginal ring can also offer many benefits. This depends on what you’re looking for. Let’s look at 10 things you should know about the vaginal ring: 

1. There is no need to keep the vaginal ring in the fridge before you’re gonna use it. 

While you don’t need to keep your vaginal ring in the fridge, your pharmacist should. But you need to keep NuvaRing at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit) for up to four months or until the expiration date. 

2. The vaginal ring is a flexible, plastic device that prevents pregnancy by releasing hormones. 

The vaginal ring uses progestin and estrogen to prevent pregnancy. It’s almost like taking a birth control pill but in another form. Estrogen works by suppressing ovulation, so the ovaries don’t release effs for sperm to fertilize. Progestin thickens the cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to travel. This hormone also thins the uterine lining. 

But it’s essential to remember that the vaginal ring won’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections. If you’re at risk of these infections, you should use barrier methods such as condoms and dental dams during sex. 

3. There is a small chance that the vaginal ring can cause irritation. 

Irritation inside the vagina or on the cervix along with vaginal discharge is one of the most common side effects of the vaginal ring. This is just due to the fact that there is something foreign in the vagina. 

4. It’s easy to learn how to insert and remove it. 

The first thing you should do is to wash and dry your hands. Then choose a position that’s comfortable for you. Take the vaginal ring out of the foil pouch, hold it between your thumb and forefinger, and squeeze the sides together. Insert it into the vagina and push it up. If you feel uncomfortable you might need to push it up more. 

5. After a doctor’s consultation, you can use it to manipulate your period. 

Manipulating the period through birth control methods is an off-label use, that’s why it’s essential to talk to your gynecologist first. Sometimes the ring-free period might be scheduled for a time that’s inconvenient for you, so you may want to change the onset of your period or skip it. 

Keep in mind that the vaginal ring uses a combination of estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy when it’s in your body. However, when it comes out, there are no hormones from the ring circulating in your body. You’ll bleed in response to the absence of estrogen and progestin. So, if you want to skip the period, keep your ring in for four weeks instead of three, then put in a new ring instead of having seven days without a ring. 

6. The vaginal ring can fit every woman. 

Thanks to its flexibility, the vaginal ring can stretch and bend to fit inside the vagina. But if you recently had a vaginal delivery with a big baby, this may not work for you in the immediate aftermath. However, NuvaRing typically fits most women. 

7. It won’t get lost inside you. 

There is nothing to worry about this since your cervix will block the ring from getting anywhere inside your body. If you still worry about it, talk to your healthcare provider about how to correctly insert and remove the ring.