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Sexual Health Women’s Health Birth Control NuvaRing
Sexual Health ... NuvaRing

NuvaRing online birth control prescription available

NuvaRing is a prescription birth control used for contraception as well as to treat the symptoms of endometrial hyperplasia, and secondary amenorrhea (absence of a period). Get a same-day prescription or refill for NuvaRing from a caring, online doctor at PlushCare*

Releases low estrogen and progestin Available only by prescription Help prevents pregnancy
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Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. * Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. Not all medical cases are best treated by telehealth or by primary care providers. If our doctors need to defer treatment, they will guide you to the best in-person care for your condition with referrals and resources.
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About NuvaRing birth control

NuvaRing (etonogestrel ethinyl estradiol) is a form of hormonal birth control. It's a small, flexible, plastic ring that inserts into the vagina to prevent pregnancy. It releases a continuous low dose of estrogen and progestin, which helps stop ovulation.

Nuvaring is available only by prescription. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription.

If you're prescribed NuvaRing, follow your doctor's instructions unless your doctor specifically tells you to remove the ring. If you remove Nuvarung, you will no longer have protection in preventing pregnancy.

NuvaRing uses

NuvaRing is FDA-approved to prevent pregnancy, but your healthcare provider may also prescribe it off-label for other reasons. Ask your online doctor if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.

Pregnancy prevention

NuvaRing is FDA-approved for pregnancy prevention. NuvaRing releases a continuous dose of estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream, which helps prevent pregnancy. Using the vaginal ring does not prevent you or your partner from contracting sexually transmitted diseases or sexually transmitted infections.

Your doctor may prescribe NuvaRing or other hormonal contraceptives to regulate your menstrual cycle. 

NuvaRing side effects

The side effects associated with the vaginal ring are typically mild but can vary significantly from person to person. Individuals using NuvaRing report various side effects, and side effects of combination hormonal contraceptives may vary from patient to patient. Therefore, it’s really important to be aware of the possible effects and check in with your doctor should you notice any problematic symptoms.  

The side effects of NuvaRing may include:

  • Reduced sexual desire or decreased libido

  • Weight gain

  • Vaginal discomfort

  • Headaches

  • Nausea

  • Breast tenderness

  • Mood changes

  • Unexplained vaginal bleeding or spotting

  • Cramping

  • Vaginal discharge

  • Thicker cervical mucus


Other side effects, which are much less common but are considered severe, could include:


Please call your doctor immediately if you notice any adverse reactions or develop any other new or concerning symptoms. 

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How to use NuvaRing (etonogestrel, ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring)

Your doctor will provide instructions on how to use your NuvaRing prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor if you have any questions.

Typically, the vaginal ring is used in a four-week cycle. You'll insert a new ring during the first week and keep it in place for three weeks (21 days). You should check that your vaginal ring stays in place regularly.

After three weeks, remove the vaginal ring for one week. During the ring-free week, you should get your period. Technically called “anovulatory bleeding” it’s different than a normal period in that you haven’t actually released an egg (ovulated) but the withdrawal of the estrogen and progestin hormones leads to uterine bleeding

One week after removing the vaginal ring, insert a new ring. You should insert the vaginal ring even if you're still menstruating. It is recommended to insert and remove the NuvaRing simultaneously on the same day of the week.

What to avoid while using NuvaRing (interactions)

NuvaRing has several drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs.

Possible drug interactions with NuvaRing include:


Certain supplements, including St. John's Wort, can reduce the effectiveness of NuvaRing. It's safe to drink alcohol while using the vaginal ring.

Medication alternatives to NuvaRing

If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another progestin or birth control in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives:

Pregnancy prevention

Mirena (levonorgestrel)
Lo Loestrin Fe Desogen (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol)
Lessina (ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel)
Nordette (ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel)
Velivet (desogestrel/ethinyl estradiol)

NuvaRing prescription FAQs

How much does NuvaRing cost?

NuvaRing costs anywhere from $0 to $200 without insurance depending on your pharmacy. Fortunately, there are generic forms available that should keep the cost down, and better yet the vaginal ring is free with most health insurance plans and government programs. 

How can I refill my NuvaRing prescription?

Book a virtual appointment with a board-certified PlushCare doctor to refill your Nuvaring prescription. After reviewing your medical history, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.

Who should not take NuvaRing?

You should not use NuvaRing if you:

  • Smoke cigarettes and are over 35 years old.

  • Have a history of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.

  • Have diabetes with kidney, eye, nerve, or blood vessel damage.

  • Have severe migraine headaches with aura.

  • Experience unexplained vaginal bleeding patterns.

  • Are pregnant or may become pregnant.

  • Have a history of breast cancer.

How do I insert and remove the NuvaRing?

To insert NuvaRing :

  1. Wash and dry your hands.

  2. Hold the ring between your thumb and index finger, pressing the sides of the ring together.

  3. Lie down, squat, or stand up on one leg and carefully push the ring inside the vagina.

Remember: The vaginal ring cannot go too far into your vagina, as it can't pass the cervix.

To remove NuvaRing, hook your index finger under the forward rim and pull it out.

What are the possible risks and side effects of NuvaRing?

The side effects of hormonal birth control are typically mild but can vary quite a bit in frequency and intensity from person to person, so it’s important to recognize what they may be. Common side effects include:

  • Vagina irritation or discomfort

  • Weight gain

  • Headaches

  • Mood changes

  • Vaginal discharge

  • Breast tenderness

  • Thick cervical mucus

How effective is the NuvaRing?

When used as prescribed, NuvaRing is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

When can I start using NuvaRing?

You can start using NuvaRing at any point during your menstrual cycle. If you begin NuvaRing during the first five days of your period, it'll work immediately. Starting on any other day of your menstrual cycle will take seven days to prevent pregnancy, so you need to use backup protection such as a condom during that time. 

When I remove it, how long before the effects wear off and I’m not protected?

If you leave a NuvaRing out for more than 2 days during the time period in which you’re supposed to take it (not the off-week), you will not be protected from pregnancy.

What does NuvaRing feel like when it is inserted?

When inserted correctly, you shouldn't be able to feel NuvaRing. If you experience any vaginal irritation, try pushing NuvaRing up higher.

Will my partner or I feel NuvaRing during sexual intercourse?

Your partner may feel NuvaRing during sexual intercourse. However, NuvaRing is unlikely to affect you or your partner's ability to feel pleasure during penetrative sex.

Does NuvaRing protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

No, NuvaRing does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or sexually transmitted infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Barrier methods, such as condoms or the cervical cap, can lower your risk of pregnancy while preventing STDs and STIs.

Do hormonal birth control methods cause cancer?

Hormonal contraceptives may cause an increased risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer. The risks of endometrial, ovarian, and colorectal cancers are lower in women who use hormonal birth control.

3 simple steps to request your NuvaRing prescription online

How It Works Step 1
Step 1

Book a NuvaRing prescription request appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
How It Works Step 2
Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your NuvaRing prescription.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
How It Works Step 3
Step 3

Pick up your NuvaRing prescription.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

How pricing works

To get a new or refill on your NuvaRing prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted 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

Paying with insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

+

Visits

Copay

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:


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Paying without insurance

Membership

$19.99

First month free

+

Visits

$129

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.
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*If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund. Please note that any medication or lab work costs are not included. Please refer to our refund policy for additional information.

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PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.