NuvaRing

1. What is NuvaRing?

- NuvaRing is a flexible plastic contraceptive device (a form of a ring) with about 2' in a diameter that is inserted vaginally and self-administered.

2. How does it work?

The ring works in a comparable manner as oral contraceptive pills.

It is combined etonogestrel +ethinyl estradiol, producing low doses of estrogen and progestin hormones into the bloodstream through the vaginal wall to prevent pregnancy, by releasing ethinyl estradiol at a rate of 15 mcg per day and etonogestrel at a rate of 120 mcg per day.

3. How long does it last and how frequently does it need to be replaced?

NuvaRing is placed in the vagina for three weeks and you will need to exchange the NuvaRing once a month.  NuvaRing is expected to be removed every 3 weeks and a new ring must be inserted a week later.  The 4th week is a ring-free week when withdrawal bleeding occurs during the 4th week.

4. What if a ring falls off from vagina?

If for some reason the ring is out of the vagina for more than three hours, back-up contraception should be used until the ring has been back in place for seven days.

5. How much am I expected to pay for the NuvaRing at a local pharmacy?

The lowest price with a coupon for the most common version of generic NuvaRing is around $44, about 69% off the average retail price of $142.20.