Starting the Ring

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-24-2006
Starting the Ring
2
Mon, 04-24-2006 - 10:27pm

I found this info on the Nuvaring website about starting to use the ring:

"Count the first day of your menstrual period as Day 1, and insert your first NuvaRing® on or before Day 5 (but no later, even if you have not finished your period). During this first cycle, use an extra method of birth control, such as male condoms or spermicide, for the first seven days of NuvaRing® use."

Now, what if my period isn't done after Day 5? It's usually about 7 days. If I start using the ring on day 5, and still have my period, can I still use a tampon too or do I have to give them up for those first couple of days and use pads instead? (yuck!) Will tampons effect how much of the hormones my body can absorb?

And then on day 12 I can stop using condoms?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 04-25-2006 - 7:42am

You can use tampons with the ring, but you have to be VERY careful that when you remove them that you don't pull the ring out at the same time.

Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-24-2006
Tue, 04-25-2006 - 8:28am
Thanks for the info! I just got a script for Seasonale yesterday but after all of the panic buttons that were pushed on this board and others, I started researching the ring last night (which was the form of bc my dr suggested in the first place). It sounds like most people using it are really happy with it. Hardly a complaint in the bunch.