CHAPTER 7
Combined Vaginal Ring
Only the Essentials

Key Points for Providers and Clients
Requires keeping a flexible ring in the vagina. It is kept in place all the time, every day and night for 3 weeks, followed by a week with no ring in place. Start each new ring on time for greatest effectiveness. Bleeding changes are common but not harmful. Typically, irregular bleeding for the first few months and then lighter and more regular bleeding.

What Is the Combined Vaginal Ring?

A flexible ring placed in the vagina.
Continuously releases 2 hormones—a progestin and an estrogen, like the natural hormones progesterone and estrogen in a woman's body—from inside the ring. Hormones are absorbed through the wall of the vagina directly into the bloodstream.
The ring is kept in place for 3 weeks, then removed for the fourth week. During this fourth week the woman will have monthly bleeding.
Also called NuvaRing.
Works primarily by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation).