NuvaRing Questions
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| Sun, 04-11-2004 - 3:08am |
I have never been on birth control before but I have a GYN appointment next week. I have been considering birth control for a while now but now that I am in a monogamous, long-term and serious relationship, I wish to do away with condoms. I also suffer from severe iron defiency anemia due to my heavy periods.
I have looked over many birth control options.
Pill: Trust me, I won't remember taking it every day.
Patch: It is not discreet enough.
IUD/Depo: Being a full-time student, I don't have time (or the means) to go to a doctor every few months.
I am seriously considering using the NuvaRing as birth control. I have a few questions though.
1) Can the ring be felt by my partner during sex?
2) How much does it cost per month? (I'm not sure my insurance, AETNA, would cover it)
3) How many times does one have to wear it until it is safe to have unprotected intercourse? Does it work immediately?
Thank you very much! :-)
- Jade

The ring usually can’t be felt by a partner during IC. If he can it’s usually not a distraction. However, if it does bother him the ring can be removed for up to three hours without reducing the effectiveness of your protection.
The cost will depend on where you have your Rx filled and how much your insurance will cover. Here at CVS it’s about $35 US. You could call pharmacies in your area to get an idea what their prices are.
If you are a first day start (inserting on the first day of your period) you are protected immediately. If you are a Sunday start (inserting on the first Sunday after your period starts) then you will be protected after 7 days of correct use. This board recommends using condoms for your first cycle on a hormonal method. That is because you are learning to use the method (often BCPs) correctly and because your period might be on a different schedule and thicker/thinner, shorter/longer on hormones than when you were cycling normally. If AF is different and you were using back-up then you know you are protected and won’t worry about being pg. Let us know what you decide, ok?
Good luck
Jill
- Jade
1) Can the ring be felt by my partner during sex? Yea sometimes in certain positions but my SO doesn't mind and it doesn't bother him...
I went to CVS today and they told me that Aetna doesn't cover for prescription medicine any more. So, I'm not sure how much they would cost since I have no health insurance to pay for it.
Where do you mail-order yours from?