Factsheet
The Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing ®)
Date 30 January 2009
BASIC FACTS |
WHAT IS THE VAGINAL RING?
In Australia the only vaginal ring you can buy is called a NuvaRing®. It is a soft plastic ring that contains the hormones oestrogen and a progestogen, similar to the combined contraceptive Pill. It is placed in your vagina and the hormones are absorbed into the body to stop you getting pregnant.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The vaginal ring stays in your vagina for three weeks and the hormones stop your ovaries from releasing an egg. Then you take it out, and your body has a rest for a week. You will have a light period, and at the end of the week you put a new ring in your vagina. Most women cannot feel the vaginal ring once it is in place. The first time you use it, you will not be not covered against pregnancy for seven days, so use another type of contraception (e.g. condoms) as well, during that time.
HOW WELL DOES IT WORK?
When used correctly, the vaginal ring is around 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
WHO CAN USE THE VAGINAL RING?
Most women can use the vaginal ring. It is good if you find it hard to remember to take a pill every day, and is an alternative to the implant or an IUD.
WHO SHOULD NOT USE THE VAGINAL RING?
There are some medical conditions you may have had that could prevent you from using the vaginal ring. These include a blood clot in your leg, a stroke or heart attack, liver disease, or breast cancer. It is very important to talk to your doctor to be sure it is safe for you to use the vaginal ring.
HOW IS THE VAGINAL RING INSERTED?
Squeeze the ring between your thumb and index finger, and gently insert it into your vagina. There is no correct position - if it feels uncomfortable, slide it further into your vagina. Your vaginal muscles will keep it in place, even during exercise and sex.
HOW IS IT TAKEN OUT?
To remove the ring simply put your finger into your vagina, hook it around the ring and pull it out.
WHAT IF I FORGET TO USE IT?
If you are more than 24 hours late inserting the vaginal ring after the week without it, insert it as soon as you remember and use another form of contraception (e.g. condoms) for seven days. If you have unprotected sex before you are covered for contraception you can buy emergency contraception pills (ECP) from a pharmacy.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?
Few women get serious health problems from using the vaginal ring, but there are some rare symptoms that you should be aware of. Ask your doctor to tell you about them. You need to go to a doctor or a Family Planning clinic immediately if you have any of those symptoms.
WHERE CAN I GET THE VAGINAL RING?
You need to see a doctor to get a script for the vaginal ring. You can then take the script and buy your vaginal rings from a pharmacy.
For further information
- Contact the Healthline on 1300 658 886.
