Español Health Glossary Store
Planned Parenthood
 
Home Health Topics Issues & Action Donate Resources for Educators Newsroom About Us
Health Topics Nav
Health Topics Nav
Abortion
Adoption
Birth Control
Abstinence
Birth Control Implant (Implanon)
Birth Control Patch (Ortho Evra)
Birth Control Pill
Birth Control Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing)
Who Can Use the Ring?
Starting the Ring
If the Ring Slips Out or You Make a Mistake
Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera)
Birth Control Sponge (Today Sponge)
Breastfeeding
Cervical Cap
Condom
Diaphragm
Emergency Contraception
Female Condom
Fertility Awareness
IUD
Outercourse
Spermicide
Sterilization for Women
Vasectomy
Withdrawal (Pull Out Method)
Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)
Men
For Parents
Pregnancy
Relationships
Sexuality
Sexual Orientation & Gender
STDs, HIV & Safer Sex
Teens
Women's Health
Ask Dr. Cullins
These documents are for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Who Can Use the Vaginal Ring?

We all want to be healthy and safe. So, we all need to consider if a medicine will be safe for us before we take it.  Serious side effects of the vaginal ring, though rare, may be more likely if you have certain conditions. Some of these conditions may even rule out using the ring. Talk with your health care provider to find out if the ring is likely to be safe for you.

You should not use the vaginal ring during prolonged bed rest after major surgery or if you
  • are 35 or older and smoke cigarettes
  • have certain conditions associated with diabetes
  • have certain inherited blood-clotting disorders
  • have had an abnormal growth or cancer of the breast
  • have had blood clots or vein inflammation
  • have had a heart attack or stroke
  • have had heart valve problems
  • have had migraine headaches with aura
  • have had a liver disease or growths of the liver
  • have high blood pressure and smoke cigarettes
  • have uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • have weak pelvic floor muscles
  • think you might be pregnant

If you have a condition that makes it unsafe to use the ring, don’t worry. There are many other methods of birth control that may be safe for you if you cannot use it. Read about other methods to find one that is right for you.




Published: 02.09.08 | Updated: 02.09.08

Service Locator
Find out where you can get health services in your area:
Or
Issues & Action
Visit the Issues & Action section of this website for information on the issues surrounding birth control and other topics.
Just For Teens
Are you a teen looking for more information about birth control?
teenwire.com 
is loaded with great advice written just for you! More