Nuva Ring Question - Silly?

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-27-2004
Nuva Ring Question - Silly?
4
Mon, 04-02-2007 - 1:32am
So this may come across as a stupid question, but I've recently come to the conclusion I don't have - and can't find - the answer. I just finished my third week on Nuva Ring and have read everywhere that if you have it out for more than three hours, you are at risk for pregnancy - does that mean that for the week I have the ring out I need to use a back-up contraceptive if I have intercourse? I took the ring out this evening - three hours ago to be exact. I realize I should have asked this question before I started the birth control, but it hasn't crossed my mind until now. I appreciate your input!
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-22-2006
Mon, 04-02-2007 - 9:26am

Hi,

I don't know if you have been on the pill beforehand, but nuva ring is like the pill in this respect. For what is called the 'placebo pills' for the pill, for the nuva ring you just take it out for the week, and during this time you are protected as long as it was in for the 7 days previous (with the pill if you didn't miss a day in the past 7 days). I'm pretty sure this is because they suppress ovulation, and they will stay in effect for the entire week. Therefore you can't get pregnant because there is no egg to fertilise.

This is my understanding, but I'm sure someone else can confirm if I'm correct ;)
Kristen

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 04-02-2007 - 11:23am

Hi browneyedgrl22, welcome!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-27-2004
Mon, 04-02-2007 - 11:50am
Thank you both! I am actually completely unfamiliar with birth control pills. I had been on the shot for ten years prior to starting the ring three weeks ago so I never had to worry about anything - except getting the shot every three months. This is going to be a whole new experience for me! Thanks again!
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 04-02-2007 - 12:31pm

>>I am actually completely unfamiliar with birth control pills. I had been on the shot for ten years prior to starting the ring three weeks ago <<


      Jill