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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
NuvaRing is a hormonal birth control (contraceptive) device for women. A flexible, transparent plastic ring, NuvaRing is inserted deep into the vagina and worn for three weeks. You remove NuvaRing for one week — allowing menstruation to occur — then insert a new ring.
Similar to combination birth control pills, NuvaRing prevents pregnancy by releasing hormones into your body. NuvaRing suppresses ovulation — keeping your ovaries from releasing an egg. NuvaRing also thickens cervical mucus to keep sperm from reaching the egg.
NuvaRing is the only vaginal hormonal contraceptive that's approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and available in the U.S. To use NuvaRing, you'll need a prescription from your health care provider.
- Combined (estrogen & progestin) contraceptives. In: Zieman M, et al. A Pocket Guide to Managing Contraception. Tiger, Ga.: Bridging the Gap Foundation; 2010:114.
- Zieman M. Overview of contraception. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2011.
- Birth control methods fact sheet. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/birth-control-methods.cfm. Accessed Nov. 18, 2011.
- Implants, injections, rings, and patches: Hormonal birth control options. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/faq/faq159.cfm. Accessed Nov. 18, 2011.
- Nanda K. Contraceptive patch and vaginal contraceptive ring. In: Hatcher RA, et al. Contraceptive Technology. 20th ed. New York, N.Y.: Ardent Media; 2011.
- NuvaRing (prescribing information). Roseland, N.J.: Organon USA Inc.; 2008. http://www.nuvaring.com/hcp/global/prescribing-information.asp. Accessed Nov. 18, 2011.
- NuvaRing. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/drugsatfda/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.DrugDetails. Accessed Nov. 18, 2011.
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