Contraceptive ring: NuvaRing

NuvaRing is a trade name of a combined hormonal contraceptive vagnial
ring. It is a flexible plastic (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) ring
that releases a low dose of a progestin and estrogen over three weeks.
The ring works primarily by inhibition of ovulation. The other effects
are inhibition of sperm penetration by changes in cervical mucus and
possible thinning of endometrium inhibiting implantation.
The ring delivers 15mcg of ethinyl estradiol and 120mcg etonogestral
each day of use.
The ring must be inserted into the vagina for a 3-week period, and no
ring for one week period. The break week of NuvaRing is comparable to
the placebo week for the COC pills. In case of accidental expulsion,
the ring must be rinsed with cool water and reinserted immediately.
There is increased risk of pregnancy if the ring is removed,
accidentally expelled or left outside the vagina for more than three
hours. If these happened, the ring must be reinserted immediately and
additional methods of contraception must be used for one week.
The ring must not be used while breastfeeding.
The benefits of the ring include:
1. once a month self administered use offers convenience, east of use
and privacy
2. lower estrogen exposure than with COCpills and patch
3. low incidence of estrogenic side effect
4. low incidence of irregular bleeding