Frequently Asked Questions about the Vaginal Ring

How do I know that I've inserted the ring properly?

As long as the ring is in the vagina and it feels comfortable it has been inserted properly, and it will release the hormones protecting against pregnancy. There is no exact or correct position. If the ring does not feel comfortable you may have to push it a little bit higher.

What happens if it falls out?

NuvaRing® will not easily fall out of the vagina. If it however falls out, simply reinsert if it is necessary, you can wash the ring with cold to lukewarm (not hot) water. However, if the ring has been out of the vagina for more than three hours, you must use an additional method of birth control until the ring has been back in place for 7 days. If the ring falls out you might have to push it a bit higher in the vagina next time.

How do I know when to remove it?

You leave the ring in the vagina for 3 weeks, then remove it for one week, at which time you should have a menstrual period. To remove it, simply insert your fingers into the vagina, grasp the edges of the ring and pull it down and out.

Can I re-use the ring?

Absolutely not. After you have used the ring for 3 weeks and removed it for 1 week to make way for a menstrual period, you must insert a new ring. One ring contains one month's worth of combined contraceptive hormones.