The birth control ring is a small, flexible ring a woman inserts into her vagina once a month to prevent pregnancy. It is left in place for three weeks and taken out for the remaining week each month. The birth control ring is commonly called NuvaRing, its brand name.

Like other methods of birth control, the birth control ring (NuvaRing) releases hormones. Hormones are chemicals made in our bodies. They control how different parts of our bodies work. The hormones in NuvaRing are the same hormones as in the birth control pill — estrogen and progestin. The hormones in the ring work by Keeping eggs from leaving the ovaries. Pregnancy cannot happen if there is no egg to join with the sperm, making cervical mucus thicker, and keeping sperm from getting to the eggs.

Effectiveness is an important and common concern when choosing a birth control method. The birth control ring is very effective. It works best when a woman inserts it, keeps it in place for three weeks, takes it out for one week, and then inserts a new ring once the period starts. This method keeps the correct level of hormone in a woman’s body.Less than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they always use NuvaRing as directedAbout 9 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they don’t always use NuvaRing as directed. Certain medicines and supplements may make NuvaRing less effective. These include the antibiotic rifampin — other antibiotics do not make the ring less effective the antifungal griseofulvin — other antifungals do not make the pill less effective certain HIV medicines and certain anti-seizure medicines.

Most women find that NuvaRing is very easy to use. Insert one new ring into your vagina and keep it in place for three weeks in a row. Then, remove it for one week — three weeks in, one week out. Insert a new ring after one week. Here are some more specific details about using the ring:

Store your unused rings at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.

Check the expiration date of each ring package before insertion.

Wash your hands with soap and water.

Use your fingers to press the sides of the ring together.

Gently push the ring into your vagina.

The exact position of the ring doesn’t matter.

There’s no need to remove the ring during vaginal intercourse.

Remove it in three weeks on the same day of the week that it was inserted.

Hook your finger under the forward rim and gently pull it out of the vagina.

Wrap it up in the original foil wrapper, and throw it out in the trash — do not flush. Used rings still contain some hormones. Using the foil wrapper protects children and pets who might play with a used ring. It also reduces the chance that hormones will get into the soil and water supply.

After one week without the ring, insert a new one — on the same day of the week that the previous one was inserted in your last cycle.

During the one-week break, you will usually have your period. You may still be bleeding when it is time to insert a new ring. This is normal, too. But the vaginal ring must be inserted on the same day of the week as it was inserted in the last cycle, or you could get pregnant.