About Annovera vaginal ring
Annovera is a vaginal ring that contains two female hormones, segesterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol, which are slowly released into the vagina.
Annovera is used to prevent pregnancy. Annovera is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation under different brand names, including the ethinyl estradiol vaginal system (vaginal ring).
Annovera may be prescribed as a vaginal ring. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you're prescribed Annovera, complete the full course of hormonal birth control unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete your prescription, the hormonal birth control may not be as effective in preventing pregnancy.
Annovera uses
There is one FDA-approved use for Annovera, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online healthcare professional may prescribe it for the following reasons.
It’s also possible that healthcare professionals may prescribe Annovera for other reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.
Pregnancy prevention
Annovera is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy. Annovera, a combination hormonal contraceptive, is a reusable ethinyl estradiol vaginal system that can be used for up to one year.
Annovera side effects
The side effects associated with taking Annovera are typically mild. Most Annovera side effects are associated with gastrointestinal discomfort. Annovera has some common side effects. They may include:
Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain
Breast tenderness
Irregular vaginal bleeding
Genital itching or vaginal discharge
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Toxic shock syndrome
Signs of blood clots
Very high blood pressure
You should call your doctor if any adverse effects occur, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. The use of Annovera is not advised in children under the age of 18.
How to use Annovera
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Annovera prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Annovera can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. The vaginal ring should be inserted into your vagina and left in for 21 days in a row. After 21 days, remove Annovera for seven days. This will allow your body to have a menstrual period.
Avoid leaving the Annovera ring out for over two hours during your 21-day cycle. Annovera birth control will not effectively prevent pregnancy if you only wear it during intercourse.
What to avoid while taking Annovera
Annovera has 433 drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
Possible drug interactions with Annovera include:
St. John's wort
Antifungal medicine
Antiviral medicine used to treat HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C
Blood pressure medication
Thyroid medicine
Venous thrombotic diseases
It is safe to drink alcohol while using Annovera birth control. However, you may need to avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking Annovera with certain drug combinations. Ask your healthcare provider for medical advice.
Avoid using oil-based vaginal products, such as creams and gels, while using Annovera. Instead, use water-based lubricants. Annovera does not protect against sexually transmitted infections or diseases.
Medication alternatives to Annovera
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest other hormonal birth control methods in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your reproductive health issue:
Pregnancy prevention
Annovera prescription FAQs
How much does Annovera cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, the Annovera vaginal ring costs around $2,320 for one ring without insurance. Fortunately, birth control is free or low-cost with most health insurance plans.
How can I refill my Annovera prescription?
To refill your Annovera prescription, book a virtual appointment with a board-certified PlushCare doctor. After reviewing your medical history, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.
What type of birth control is Annovera?
Annovera is a hormonal birth control method. The Annovera ring releases segesterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol to prevent pregnancy.
Is Annovera covered by medical?
Yes, Annovera birth control and other birth control methods are free or low-cost with health insurance.
What company makes Annovera?
Annovera is made by TherapeuticsMD.
What is the difference between Annovera and NuvaRing?
Annovera and Nuvaring are both ethinyl estradiol vaginal systems. However, they release different forms of progesterone. Annovera contains segesterone acetate, while Nuvaring contains estonogestrel.
Who should not take Annovera?
Avoid taking Annovera birth control if you have certain health conditions, such as:
Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding
Uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart problems, or coronary artery disease
Liver disease or liver tumors
Hormone-related cancer, such as breast cancer
Avoid using a combination hormonal contraceptive if you smoke cigarettes, are over 35, or have a body mass index (BMI) over 29. Do not use Annovera birth control if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
What happens if I miss a dose of Annovera?
Call your healthcare provider if you're off schedule or if you have abdominal pain or trouble removing your vaginal ring.
What happens if I take too much Annovera?
If you've taken too much Annovera, call your doctor. An overdose may cause headache migraine nausea vomiting or vaginal bleeding.
3 simple steps to request your Annovera prescription today

Step 1
Book an Annovera prescription request appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Annovera prescription.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3
Pick up your birth control.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Annovera prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Annovera prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all visits
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Annovera prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information
Food and Drug Administration. Annovera prescription label. Accessed on October 21, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/209627s000lbl.pdf
Food and Drug Administration. FDA approves new vaginal ring for one year of birth control. Accessed on October 21, 2022. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-vaginal-ring-one-year-birth-control
National Library of Medicine. Long-Lasting, Patient-Controlled, Procedure-Free Contraception: A Review of Annovera with a Pharmacist Perspective. Accessed on October 21, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7558341/