Using The NuvaRing As Birth Control

In the search for the ideal contraceptive, many women find themselves overwhelmed after realising there’s so much more to contraception than condoms and the pill.

If you’ve never heard of them before, contraceptives like the vaginal ring can sound unfamiliar, and even a little scary. But by taking the time to learn a bit more about this type of birth control, you may find that it is exactly what you’re looking for!

Here are all the basic information you need to know about the Vaginal Ring, the most popular brand of which is NuvaRing.

What ACTUALLY Is The Vaginal Ring?

The Vaginal Ring is a type of contraception that works pretty similarly to the oral contraceptive pill in terms of the way it prevents pregnancy. Essentially, it is a soft, flexible ring that you can wear inside your vagina for three weeks out of every four. This kind of contraceptive is a very good idea for women who find it difficult to remember to take the pill every day, but who are not comfortable with a long-term contraceptive implant or IUD.

In Australia, the Vaginal Ring is available in pharmacies (with a prescription) under the name NuvaRing.

How Does It Work?

When the Vaginal Ring is inserted into the vagina, it performs a similar function to the daily contraceptive pill. The ring releases a slow and steady dose of synthetic hormones that prevent pregnancy. These hormones get absorbed by the body for three weeks, and then the ring needs to be taken out in order to have a week of rest. During this week off, most women experience a withdrawal bleed, which is similar to a period. After seven days, a new Vaginal Ring can be inserted and the process begins again.

Next Page: Inserting The Vaginal Ring