Other Birth Control Method Questions And Concerns / Question
Published: July 15, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am 26 years old and have used NuvaRing in the past two months for contraception. (This is a vaginal ring that releases the same hormones in birth control pills and works to prevent pregnancy in the same way. So this question probably applies to people who use the pill as well. It is supposed to be kept in place for 3 weeks in a row and than out for one week, during which time I get my period.) Here's my question - last month, I had the ring in place for two weeks only. I broke up with my boyfriend and also thought I was having side effects from the ring, so I took it out early. Four days later I got my period (lighter than normal) which lasted for 3-4 days. Right at the end of that 4 days of bleeding, I got back together with my partner and we had unprotected intercourse. Now, one week later, I had some bleeding again (much darker than normal) that only lasted for half a day. What is going on here? I've restarted the NuvaRing today, counting this as the first day of my cycle, but IS IT THE FIRST DAY? I plan to use condoms for the nest month, but I'm worried that I've totally messed up my cycle now. Any input on this? THANKS!
Signed: The NuvaRing
Dear The NuvaRing,
Because this is FX's first question on the NuvaRing, we are going to give some background and information. After the info, we will answer your question more directly.
The NuvaRing is a flexible ring placed into the vagina that delivers low doses of two hormones to control ovulation. The hormones in the NuvaRing are the same ones found in many birth control pills, and are absorbed by the lining of the vagina to deliver the same levels of hormones throughout the first 21 days (or three weeks) of the cycle. The ring is inserted by the woman within the first five days of her period, and stays in the vagina for three weeks. Because of the ring's design, it is easily inserted but is not felt by either the wearer or sexual partners. Similar to how the vagina holds a tampon in place, the vagina holds the ring in place during intercourse and all daily activities.
Pregnancy protection begins after seven days of use, but if a woman is switching directly from the pill to this method, protection can begin immediately. After three weeks, the ring is removed and thrown away. For the next week the woman may experience a period that could be lighter and shorter than before. On the seventh day, a new ring is inserted and the cycle begins again.
Like birth control pills, there are side effects that some women will experience such as headache, nausea, and changes to your period. Also, some women like those over 35, smokers, and those at risk for blood clots should discuss with their healthcare provider to determine if this method of birth control is right for them.
It is important to remember that like the pill, this method does not protect against STDs or HIV, so it should be used together with a barrier method like condoms.
The NuvaRing is available in pharmacies with a doctor's prescription for about the same price as birth control pills. A major benefit of the NuvaRing is that for people who are forgetful about taking the pill daily, they only have to remember to insert or remove the ring after three weeks of wear. People considering this method of birth control should feel comfortable touching their body, since they will have to insert and remove the ring, but most women say it is as easy as using a tampon.
To determine if this method of birth control is an option, a visit to your healthcare provider is necessary. Besides a complete physical exam, they may assist you in learning the proper techniques to insert and remove the ring to make sure that it stays in place. For additional information about the NuvaRing click here, contact the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973.971.6475 if you live in northern New Jersey or Planned Parenthood, or your local teen health center.
So now to answer your question directly:
Your best bet is to see your doctor ASAP to discuss possible pregnancy, the bleeding and if/when you should insert the new NuvaRing. Here is some general information.
Because the NuvaRing was out of the vagina for more than three hours during the 3-week period that it was supposed to be inserted, there may not have been protection against pregnancy. The fact that you had your period after those two weeks of NuvaRing use is not unusual, but there still may be a possibility that pregnancy could have occurred during the unprotected intercourse that occurred following that.
Again, just a reminder, this form of birth control does not protect against STDs or HIV. Using latex condoms may reduce fears of STD transmission.
If you are not able to contact your physician, try Planned Parenthood.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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