Etonogestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol (NuvaRing) Tips from Pharmacists

• It is important to follow the recommended schedule of 3 weeks in and 1 week out for contraceptive efficacy. Set a reminder in your phone to help you remember to take the vaginal ring out after 3 weeks and insert a new one a week later.

• You will have withdrawal bleeding 2-3 days after you remove the contraceptive ring. Insert a new ring exactly one week after you remove the previous one even if your bleeding hasn’t stopped.

• If you do not get withdrawal bleeding, i.e., you miss your period, you could be pregnant. If you have used the contraceptive ring as directed, do a pregnancy test after two consecutive missed periods. If you left the ring out for more than 3 hours or had a break of longer than one week, do a pregnancy test after one missed period.

• It is common to have some light spotting or breakthrough bleeding, especially in the first 3 months. Tell your doctor if you have severe or persistent abnormal vaginal bleeding.

• Tell your doctor if you develop depression, mood changes, or a new headache pattern while using the vaginal ring.

• Take precautions to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections, including HIV infection.