Can NuvaRing Cause Migraines?

Yes, migraines and headaches are listed as common NuvaRing side effects in the FDA prescribing information. Certain severe migraine types are reasons not to use this birth control ring without consulting a medical professional.

When Does NuvaRing Start Working?

NuvaRing starts working immediately after inserting it on the first day of your period. For women who started the use on days 2 to 5 of their menstrual cycle, they may need to use a backup barrier method for the first week to prevent pregnancy. If you have used other hormonal birth control, talk to your doctor for personalized advice.

Why Can't You Use NuvaRing Over 35?

NuvaRing carries a boxed warning of serious cardiovascular issues in women who smoke or are over 35 years of age. Due to this risk, you should not use NuvaRing or other combined hormonal contraceptives if you are over 35 years and smoke.

What is the New Name for the NuvaRing?

There isn’t a single “new name” for NuvaRing. Instead, multiple FDA‑approved generic versions are available. The first FDA-approved generic of NuvaRing is EluRyng (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring), approved in 2019. It is followed by another brand-name called Haloette. All contain the same active hormones, etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol, as the original NuvaRing, often at a lower cost.

Annovera vs. NuvaRing: Which One Is Right for Me?

Both Annovera and NuvaRing are FDA-approved vaginal rings that prevent pregnancy using estrogen and progestin. The only difference between them is the duration of use. Annovera is reusable for one year, while NuvaRing is replaced monthly. The right choice between Annovera and NuvaRing depends on your preference, medical conditions, and how often you want to manage your birth control.

Does NuvaRing Cause Weight Gain or Mood Changes?

Yes, weight gain and mood changes are reported side effects of the NuvaRing vaginal ring. However, these are not common effects; individual reactions may vary. If you notice any unusual mood changes or increased body weight while using this vaginal ring, discuss with your medical provider.

Can I Use Tampons with NuvaRing?

Yes, you can use tampons with NuvaRing (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring), as they don’t affect how the hormones are absorbed. However, be careful when inserting and removing the tampon. If you accidentally pull out the ring while using tampons, insert the ring and then the tampon.

Can NuvaRing Help Balance Hormones?

NuvaRing delivers hormones to prevent pregnancy, but it is not prescribed to “balance hormones.” Its purpose is contraception, not treating hormonal imbalances. However, since it is a combined hormonal contraceptive, users may notice balanced hormonal levels, which may reduce the natural hormonal fluctuations.

Does the Ring Protect Against STDs?

No, NuvaRing does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Only barrier methods like condoms can reduce STD risk. Always use a barrier method along with the vaginal ring if you are sexually active. This offers double protection against pregnancy and STIs.

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NuvaRing (Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol) Vaginal Ring

NuvaRing is a prescription hormonal contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy in females of reproductive age or individuals with a uterus. It’s a flexible plastic ring that you insert into the vagina, where it continuously releases two hormones, etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol, that help stop ovulation and make it harder for sperm to reach the egg. Like other hormonal contraceptives, NuvaRing does not protect against STIs and may increase the risk of blood clots in some users. Talk with your doctor to decide whether NuvaRing is right for you to avoid any potential side effects.

Quick Facts About NuvaRing Vaginal Ring

Brand Name	NuvaRing
Generic Name	Etonogestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol
Drug Class	Combined hormonal contraceptive (estrogen + progestin)
Route	Vaginal ring
Available Strengths	NuvaRing contains 11.7 mg etonogestrel and 2.7 mg ethinyl estradiol total. A standard ring releases 0.12 mg of etonogestrel and 0.015 mg of ethinyl estradiol per day continuously for 3 weeks
Prescription Required	Yes
Status	FDA-approved
Used For	Preventing pregnancy
Typical Dose	Insert 1 ring vaginally for 3 weeks, remove for 1 week, then insert a new ring
How It Works	Prevents ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and affects the uterine lining to reduce the chance of fertilization and implantation
Common Side Effects	Vaginal irritation, headache, nausea, mood changes, breast tenderness, irregular bleeding
Serious Side Effects	Blood clots, stroke, heart attack, severe liver problems, gallbladder disease (rare but serious)
Black Box Warning	High risk of serious cardiovascular events in smokers over 35 years old
Precautions	Do not use if pregnant, have a history of blood clots, uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain cancers, or liver disease; discuss medications that may reduce effectiveness
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding	Not recommended during pregnancy; discuss use during breastfeeding with a doctor
Missed Dose	If the ring is out for more than 3 hours during the 3-week period, use backup contraception and reinsert promptly
Storage	Store at room temperature. Keep away from moisture and out of reach of children

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What Are the Pros and Cons of NuvaRing?

Pros:

Many people prefer vaginal ring birth control options over pills due to their convenience. Here’s a list of reasons why some people choose NuvaRing to prevent pregnancy:

When used perfectly, NuvaRing is over 99% effective.
It may make your periods lighter, shorter, and more regular.
Etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol may help clear skin in those prone to hormonal acne.

Cons:

However, like any contraceptive method, it does come with specific side effects:

The ring does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
Some users may experience symptoms like mood swings or depression.

How Effective Is NuvaRing?

The NuvaRing is highly effective when used correctly, but its effectiveness may be reduced due to human error. According to the CDC, NuvaRing effectiveness rates are measured in two ways: perfect use (clinical conditions) and typical use (real-world conditions). The report shows:

Perfect Use (>99% effective): If the ring is inserted, removed, and replaced exactly as directed, the NuvaRing failure rate is approximately 0.3%. This means less than 1 in 100 women will become pregnant in a year.
Typical Use (91%–93% effective): In real-world scenarios, where a user might forget to change the ring on time, or it remains out of the body for too long, the NuvaRing failure rate is approximately 7–9%. This means about 7 to 9 out of 100 women may become pregnant each year.

The effectiveness of vaginal ring contraceptives, including NuvaRing, depends largely on using the ring on schedule.

How Do You Insert NuvaRing?

If you are inserting the NuvaRing birth control ring for the first time, follow these steps:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Hold and pinch the ring between your thumb and forefinger.
Insert it deep into your vagina until it feels comfortable.
Once correctly positioned, you should not feel the ring.
Leave it in place for 3 weeks, then remove it and have a 1‑week ring‑free interval before inserting a new ring.

What to Do If NuvaRing Falls Out?

If the ring slips out and has been out for less than 3 hours, rinse it with cool water and reinsert it. If more than 3 hours, extra contraception (e.g., condoms) may be needed until the ring has been in place 7 days in a row. Check the ring’s presence regularly before/after intercourse and know when to reinsert if expelled. Ask your provider about expected withdrawal bleeding during the off week.

How Does the NuvaRing Work?

NuvaRing is a hormonal contraceptive that contains two hormones, etonogestrel (a progestin) & ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen). When inserted into the vagina, the ring releases these hormones continuously over a three-week period. This combined hormonal contraceptive works in several ways to prevent pregnancy.

First, it stops the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation).
Second, it thickens the cervical mucus, making sperm movement through the cervix more challenging.
Finally, it alters the uterine lining, reducing the likelihood that a fertilized egg will implant.

By working through these steps, NuvaRing provides highly effective contraception when used as directed.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of the NuvaRing?

Here are some possible side effects that users may notice while using the NuvaRing birth control ring, if not used correctly.

Side Effect	How Common	Notes
Vaginal irritation or discomfort	Common	May improve over time.
Headache or migraine	Common	See your provider if severe.
Nausea	Common	Usually mild.
Breast tenderness or pain	Common	Often improves after a few cycles.
Vaginal discharge	Common	See your provider if severe.
Mood changes (including depression)	Less common	Discuss persistent symptoms with your medical provider.
Weight changes	Less common	Varies by individual.
Serious blood clots or stroke	Rare	More likely in high‑risk individuals — see Warnings.
Hypertension	Less common	Discuss symptoms with your doctor
Hepatic tumors	Less common	Discuss symptoms with your doctor

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What Are the Risks of the NuvaRing?

NuvaRing (etonogestrel ethinyl/estradiol vaginal ring) is considered safe for most women when used as directed. However, like all combined hormonal contraceptives, there are some safety considerations. Here are some NuvaRing warnings that every user must be mindful of when using this vaginal birth control ring:

Do not use if you smoke and are over 35 years old due to serious cardiovascular risk.
It is not recommended for people with a medical history of heart attack, blood clots, or stroke.
Avoid using a vaginal birth control ring if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, liver disease, or certain cancers like breast or uterine cancer.
Do not use if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Some medications may reduce the effectiveness of combined hormonal contraceptives. Discuss all medicines with your doctor.
Some users may have a higher clot risk due to the specific progestin in NuvaRing compared with certain low-dose birth control pills.
Diabetic patients who already have damaged kidneys, eyes, nerves, or blood vessels are at high risk of serious complications with CHC.
NuvaRing does not protect against HIV, AIDS, or other sexually transmitted infections. Use a reliable barrier method to reduce the risk of STIs.
Rarely, NuvaRing users may experience toxic shock syndrome; seek emergency care for sudden fever, rash, or muscle aches.

NuvaRing Boxed Warning

Smoking and Serious Cardiovascular Events:

NuvaRing's boxed warning explains that the combined hormonal contraceptive may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects.
This risk is higher in women who smoke and are over 35 years of age.
Do not smoke if you are using NuvaRing to prevent pregnancy.

Who Should Not Use NuvaRing?

Do not use the etonogestrel ethinyl/estradiol vaginal ring if you:

Currently have or have ever had blood clots, a stroke, or a heart attack.
Have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Have breast cancer or a type of cancer that is sensitive to female hormones.
Have unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Take certain Hepatitis C drug combinations (e.g., ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir; with/without dasabuvir)
Are allergic to etonogestrel, ethinyl estradiol, or any ingredient in the ring.

NuvaRing Vs Other Birth Control Options: Effectiveness Compared

If you are wondering, “Is vaginal ring birth control right for you?” or searching “Which birth control option is more effective?” the answer depends on how consistently each method is used. Here’s a CDC-verified effectiveness comparison table for NuvaRing and other common birth control options.

Birth Control Method	Typical Use Failure Rate (% per year)	Perfect Use Failure Rate (% per year)
NuvaRing (Vaginal Ring)	7% (approx. 9%)	<1% (approx. 0.3%)
Combined Oral Contraceptives (the pill)	0.07	<1%
Progestin-Only Pill	0.07	<1%
Patch (Hormonal)	0.07	<1%
Injectable (Depo-Provera)	0.04	<1%
Implant (e.g., Nexplanon)	0.001	0.001
Hormonal IUD (e.g., LNG IUD)	0.2–0.4%	0.2–0.4%
Copper IUD (ParaGard)	0.008	0.006
Male Condom	0.13	0.02
Female Condom	0.21	0.05
Diaphragm	0.17	0.06
Spermicide Alone	0.21	0.18

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According to the CDC official report on “Contraception and Birth Control Methods:”

NuvaRing Cost Without Insurance

The average NuvaRing cost without insurance ranges from approximately $150 to $200/month for a single ring. These prices may differ depending on the pharmacy you purchase from. Because the NuvaRing birth control ring is used monthly, these costs can add up over time.

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If you are looking for affordable vaginal ring birth control options, Polar Bear Meds can help you. We offer NuvaRing at substantially lower prices. When you buy NuvaRing online from a licensed Canadian pharmacy network, you save up to 90% on your order. We offer:

NuvaRing is a prescription medication, so a valid prescription from a qualified medical provider is required.

You can explore our NuvaRing coupon ‘WELCOMEPB’ or other manufacturer savings cards to reduce costs substantially. Use it at checkout and get 10% off on your first order.

NuvaRing FAQs

Important Notice

The information and savings options provided in this drug page are for informational purposes and are not medical advice. If you are considering using the NuvaRing vaginal ring, consult your provider and pharmacist.