The Nuvaring contraceptive device
TL;DR
The Nuvaring is a vaginal contraceptive device offering over 99% effectiveness. However, it may cause side effects like low-grade inflammation and dry discharge, impacting comfort and sexual pleasure. It’s important to weigh its benefits against possible adverse effects.
The Nuvaring is a small rubber ring that stays inside your vagina, emitting hormones, as a vagina-based contraceptive device. The Nuvaring reports over 99 per cent effectiveness when used correctly, and works like the oral contraceptive pill.
Unfortunately, as great an idea as the Nuvaring is, it does not always work as anticipated and can have some problematic impacts on your vagina. One of the worst side effects is that it can cause low-grade inflammation in your vagina that results in a dry-feeling discharge.​1–3​
A dry vagina with an inflammation-driven discharge isn’t wet, delicious, slippery, or sexy. It just has a white, dry discharge. Your vagina may also get irritated.​4​
If the Nuvaring works for you, great. If it doesn’t, you will stop using it pretty quick – if you get side effects, they can be unpleasant.
Partners may also sometimes report that they can feel it during penetration, but this will depend on the size and sensitivity of the penis.​5​
References
- 1.Lidegaard O, Nielsen LH, Skovlund CW, Lokkegaard E. Venous thrombosis in users of non-oral hormonal contraception: follow-up study, Denmark 2001-10. BMJ. Published online May 10, 2012:e2990-e2990. doi:10.1136/bmj.e2990
- 2.Delvaux T, Jespers V, Benova L, van de Wijgert J. Acceptability and Satisfaction of Contraceptive Vaginal Rings in Clinical Studies: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis. Front Glob Womens Health. Published online December 14, 2021. doi:10.3389/fgwh.2021.799963
- 3.Wieder D. Examining the efficacy, safety, and patient acceptability of the combined contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing®). IJWH. Published online November 2010:401. doi:10.2147/ijwh.s6162
- 4.Abdollahpour S, Ashrafizaveh A, Azmoude E. Effects of the Combined Contraceptive Vaginal Ring on Female Sexual Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. MJMS. Published online February 28, 2023:21-30. doi:10.21315/mjms2023.30.1.3
- 5.Montgomery ET, Katz AWK, Duby Z, et al. Men’s Sexual Experiences with the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. AIDS Behav. Published online January 2, 2021:1890-1900. doi:10.1007/s10461-020-03119-2
