Starting the Vaginal Ring

To find out what day is best for you to start using the ring, talk with your health care provider. Most often, women start using the ring within the first five days after the start of their periods. That way, they are protected against pregnancy right away. That means that if your period starts on a Wednesday morning, you can insert the vaginal ring as late as the following Monday morning to be protected right away.

If you insert the vaginal ring later than five days after the start of your period, protection will begin after seven days. Use another method of birth control — like a condom or spermicide — if you have vaginal intercourse during the first week of ring use.

The ring can interfere with the placement of the cervical cap, diaphragm, and sponge. They cannot be used as backup methods with the vaginal ring.

Be sure to follow the instructions about using NuvaRing from your ring package. It will be more effective if you do. It’s also helpful to learn what to do if you make a mistake using the ring.

Starting the Vaginal Ring After Pregnancy

It’s possible to get pregnant again shortly after being pregnant. Starting birth control after pregnancy is an important concern for many women.

You can start using the vaginal ring

• right after an abortion
• right after a miscarriage
• after waiting at least three weeks after childbirth
• after waiting at least six weeks after childbirth if you are nursing

You should wait to start using the ring if you are nursing because it may reduce the amount and quality of milk in the first six weeks of breastfeeding. Also, the milk will contain traces of the ring's hormones. It is unlikely that these hormones will have any effect on your child. But talk with a health care provider about what birth control methods might be right for you after giving birth.