Why does my NuvaRing keep falling out?

NuvaRing is a convenient form of contraception which many women find more convenient than the pill. It works by releasing two hormones called ethinyl estradiol (oestrogen) and etonogestrel (progestogen) into the bloodstream - the same hormones found in contraceptive pills.

The hormones inside NuvaRing act in 2 ways to reduce your chance of becoming pregnant. Progesterone thickens your cervical mucus, which hinders the motility of sperm, making it harder for them to swim. Oestrogen counteracts the progestogen and thins the lining of the womb, making it difficult for a fertilised egg to implant itself.

When used properly, NuvaRing is over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Therefore, it’s important that, when you buy NuvaRing, you take some time to read through the enclosed leaflet. If you have any doubts or concerns about your treatment, ask your doctor or a pharmacist for advice.

What can cause a NuvaRing to fall out?

NuvaRing can fall out for a number of reasons.

Your NuvaRing may fall out when removing a tampon. If this happens, simply rinse the pessary in water and reinsert it. When using tampons with NuvaRing, you should insert the NuvaRing before inserting the tampon.

Straining during bowel movements can cause the NuvaRing to fall out. If you are constipated, it is better to try again at a later time rather than trying to force a movement to happen.

During sexual activity, the contraceptive ring can be dislodged and fall out. While this may be embarrassing, there’s no need to panic. Simply reinsert the ring as soon as you notice.

A broken NuvaRing is also prone to fall out. If you notice your NuvaRing has broken, discard of the broken ring safely and insert a new ring as soon as possible.

If your NuvaRing frequently falls out, you should speak to your doctor as it may be a sign of an underlying vaginal condition, such as a prolapsed uterus. Your doctor may discuss alternative contraceptives with you.

What should I do if my NuvaRing falls out?

In the case of your NuvaRing falling out, you should reinsert the ring, or insert a new ring within 3 hours to ensure continuous protection. NuvaRing are available in packs of 3, so you can insert a new ring if required.

Depending on which week of your NuvaRing cycle you are on, what you should do may be different.

Instructions on what to do if your NuvaRing falls out can be found within the patient information leaflet enclosed with your treatment. You should retain this leaflet for the duration of your treatment in case you need to refer back to it.

If your NuvaRing has been out for longer than 3 consecutive hours, and you’re in week one or two of your cycle, then you should reinsert the ring as soon as you can but use an additional method of contraception, such as condoms, for seven days.

If it’s week three of your NuvaRing cycle, then you should not re-insert the current ring, but you have a couple of options.

You can insert a new NuvaRing, which will count as the start of the three-week cycle. In these cases, you might not have your period, but you may notice some light bleeding or spotting.

Another option is to leave the ring out and start your ring-free week early. As long as you've used NuvaRing continuously in the week before it fell out, you should remain protected.

How do I insert NuvaRing?

The NuvaRing is relatively straightforward to reinsert if it falls out. Before reinserting your NuvaRing, you should rinse it under cold water.

You should always wash your hands before and after inserting NuvaRing.

Using clean hands, you squeeze the ring between your thumb and finger with one hand, spreading your vaginal lips with the other. You then insert the ring into your vagina, and it should fit comfortably into place. NuvaRing is small and soft, and it doesn’t need to be in an exact position. If it feels uncomfortable, you can adjust the position of it until it is comfortable. It won’t get lost inside you, as your cervix prevents this.

NuvaRing is inserted for three weeks, then removed for a week for a ring-free break. It should only be deliberately removed when it’s time for your break, or at the advice of a medical professional, otherwise, you may be at risk of pregnancy. If you use NuvaRing correctly, you will remain protected during your ring-free week.

It’s important to regularly check NuvaRing is in place. Some women check before and after sex, so that they can be sure they’re protected. If your NuvaRing has fallen out and you’re not sure how long it has been out, you may need to take a pregnancy test before inserting another.

Where can I buy NuvaRing?

With Prescription Doctor, you can buy NuvaRing online, following an online consultation with one of our doctors. Our convenient and confidential service makes it straightforward to renew your prescription for the contraceptive ring.

All items are dispatched from our UK based, GPhC registered pharmacy in discreet packaging, giving no indication of the contents. We offer a next-day, discreet delivery on orders approved by one of our doctors before 3pm.

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