How long does it take for nuva ring to start working when you first start using it? I went off the pill a few months ago and have been just using condoms since.
NuvaRing (the ring) is a combined-hormone method of birth control. It releases estrogen and progestin to protect against pregnancy for one month. A woman inserts the ring deep inside her vagina. A new ring is inserted only once and left in place for three weeks in a row. At the beginning of the fourth week, it’s removed and menstruation occurs.
If you haven’t been on the pill, patch, or ring in the last month, start using the ring on or before day five of your menstrual cycle. (Day one is the first day of bleeding.) Pregnancy protection will begin seven days later. In the meantime, use a latex or female condom to reduce the risk of pregnancy.
Keep in mind that the ring and other hormonal birth control methods don’t offer any protection against sexually transmitted infections. Using a latex or female condom along with the ring reduces the risk of infection.
The ring must be prescribed by a health care provider. Make an appointment at the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you to discuss your options.
how does the nuva ring continue to prevent pregnancy even when it is out for your period?
Hi there,
In short, the NuvaRing works by releasing hormones into your body that affect the way your reproductive system works, and this is still effective at preventing pregnancy even when you take the ring out for your period week. Click here to learn more about the specifics of how NuvaRing works.
Alex
So even after the first 3 weeks of using the nuva ring, it works the same the 4th week while it is out?
Hi there,
Yes. You’re still protected from pregnancy during the week the ring is out.
Alex
I had unprotected sex 1 week after putting iin my nuva ring and it was my ovulation day… before that I was not on any birthcontrol what so ever and after my boyfriend ejaculated he stayed in me for quite a while… his *stuff* took about 3 days to completely flush out of me..it was’nt until later that he told me my nuvaring had come out.. I’m kind of freaking out and need advice ASAP what are my chances of getting pregnant
Hi Nicole,
Whether or not your NuvaRing had started protecting you against pregnancy depends on when you inserted it. You can read more about the NuvaRing here, where you can find info about when pregnancy protection begins and what to do if the Ring slips out.
- Nina
My doctor who proscribed me the NuvaRing said it would take one month for it to start working. But you said 7 days and so did the informational packet. Who should I believe? Should I hold out on having comdomless sex for one month or just 7 days?
Hi Carrie,
It’s always a good idea to follow your health care provider’s instructions. Additionally, since the NuvaRing doesn’t protect against STDs, it’s also always a good idea to use condoms, too.
-Nina
I used birth control a few years ago to regulate my period and hormones, but I have not been on birth control for the past year. My doctor told me to put the Nuvaring the Sunday after my period ended so that it would be easier for me to remember when to take it out and put it back in, but now I am wondering if she told me wrong. My period started last Saturday and ended on Wednesday, and today on Sunday I just now put in the ring. Will I be protected from pregnancy within the next week, or should I wait an entire month to have unprotected sex?
Hi Merce,
If you insert the vaginal ring later than five days after the start of your period, protection will begin after seven days. You should use another method of birth control — like a condom or spermicide — if you have vaginal intercourse during the first week of ring use. Read more about the NuvaRing here.
-Nina