Left ring out for more than 3 hours during weeks
1 or 2? |
- Put the ring back in as soon as possible. Use a backup method* for the next 7 days.
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| Left ring out for more than 3 hours during week 3? |
- Stop the current cycle and discard the ring.
- Insert a new ring immediately and keep it in place for 3 weeks, starting a new cycle. Use a backup method for the next 7 days.
(Another option, if the ring was used continuously and correctly for the past 7 days: Leave the ring out and make the next 7 days the week with no ring. After those 7 days, insert a new ring, starting a new cycle, and keep it in place for 3 weeks. Use a backup method for the first 7 days with the new ring.)
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| Waited more than 7 days before inserting a new ring, or kept ring in longer than 4 weeks? |
- Insert a new ring as soon as possible and begin a new 4-week cycle. Use a backup method for the first 7 days of ring use.
- Also, if a new ring was inserted 3 or more days late (ring was left out for 10 days or more in a row) and unprotected sex took place in the past 5 days, consider taking emergency contraceptive pills (see Emergency Contraceptive Pills).
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* Backup methods include abstinence, male and female condoms, spermicides, and withdrawal. Tell her that spermicides and withdrawal are the least effective contraceptive methods. If possible, give her condoms.
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