NuvaRing: The Low-Effort, High-Control Contraception Option
- Raine Lovebright
- Nov 17
- 5 min read
If you want reliable contraception without needing to remember a daily pill, the NuvaRing is one of the simplest options available. Since Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler (2025) announced in October that the NuvaRing would be added to the PBS, bringing down the cost and making it easier to access, I've had a lot of people asking what makes this method different.
The NuvaRing sits inside the vagina and slowly releases oestrogen and progestogen. This prevents ovulation and also makes it harder for sperm to reach an egg. It’s small, flexible, and only needs attention a couple of times each month.
At SSP, we’re all about practical, shame-free info. Here’s what you genuinely need to know.
What the NuvaRing Is
The NuvaRing is a soft, flexible ring you insert into the vagina yourself. Once it’s in, it stays there for three weeks (Family Planning NSW, 2024), then you take it out for a one-week break. During that week, most people get a bleed. After the break, you pop in a new ring. That’s it.
If you prefer not to have a monthly bleed, including if bleeding triggers dysphoria, you may be able to also use the ring continuously by skipping the ring-free week. (Rowland & Schumann, 2009). This however is an off-label use of the NuvaRing and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
How It Works
The ring releases two hormones (oestrogen and progestogen). Together, they:
stop the ovaries from releasing an egg
thicken cervical mucus to block sperm
keep the lining of the uterus thin
Used correctly, it’s over 99% effective. With typical use, it’s about 93% effective, mostly due to late changes or forgetting the replacement date. (Sexual Health Victoria, 2022)
Why People Choose It
Low effort: Replace it once a month.
Discreet: Nothing to see, nothing to carry.
Steady hormone release: Some people notice fewer mood swings with the ring compared to pills.
Flexible bleeding control: You can have regular withdrawal bleeds or skip them.
Who It Can Work For
The NuvaRing suits lots of people, including:
those who don’t want daily contraception
people who prefer avoiding methods that require a clinician each time
trans and non-binary people who want contraception without needing a daily pill (you don’t need to be having penis-in-vagina sex to use it and many people use it for cycle control or symptom management)
If you’re someone who doesn’t feel comfortable putting your fingers inside yourself or experiences a lot of bottom dysphoria, the NuvaRing might not be the best fit. The good news is there are plenty of other birth control options that don’t require insertion or regular contact with your genitals, such as the pill, the contraceptive injection, IUDs, implants, or external condoms.
It may also not be recommended if you have certain health conditions involving blood clots, migraines with aura, or if you’re unable to use oestrogen-containing contraception. A clinician can work through this with you.
What It Feels Like
Most people can’t feel it once it’s in. Some partners notice it during sex; others don’t. You can take it out for up to three hours during sex or dildo play if you prefer, as long as you rinse it and pop it back in.
Side Effects
Like any hormonal method, some people get:
breast tissue tenderness
nausea
light spotting
temporary changes to mood or libido
Compared to the pill, some folks using NuvaRing have reported more headaches, extra discharge, vaginal irritation, or even vaginitis (Wieder & Pattimakiel, 2010).
The good news? These side effects usually calm down after a few months. If something feels off or just won’t quit, don’t hesitate to reach out to a clinician who gets you and respects your journey.
How to Use It
Squeeze it between your fingers.
Pop it into your vagina, just like you would a tampon.
Leave it in for three weeks.
Remove it for one week or start a new ring immediately for continuous use.
It doesn’t need to be in a specific position. As long as it’s comfortably inside, it’s working.
Things to Remember
If the ring falls out and it’s been more than three hours, you’ll want to use backup contraception for the next seven days. Better safe than sorry!
You can take the ring out for up to three hours without losing protection. Perfect if it slips out or if you want a little break during sex.
Heads up: NuvaRing doesn’t protect against STIs. So condoms or internal condoms are still your best friends.
On gender-affirming hormones? No worries. Testosterone doesn’t stop ovulation, so the ring can still help keep pregnancy at bay.
Taking doxycycline or other oral antibiotics? Good news! They don’t mess with the ring’s power. So even doxy-PEP users can chill with NuvaRing.
NuvaRing and Testosterone
If you’re a person on testosterone, it’s important to know that testosterone alone doesn’t reliably prevent pregnancy. Even if your periods have stopped, ovulation can still happen.
Studies show that the progestin in the NuvaRing doesn’t significantly affect testosterone levels. (Reproductive Health Access Project, 2018)
However, the impact of the oestrogen in the ring on your testosterone hasn’t been well studied yet. With the low dosage of estrogen you’re unlikely to experience any unwanted feminising effects however it’s a good idea to check in regularly with your healthcare provider to monitor your hormone levels and adjust treatment if needed.
Bottom Line
The NuvaRing is a great option for people who want reliable contraception without daily effort. If you’re looking for something discreet, flexible, and easy to control, it’s worth considering.
References
Family Planning NSW. (2024). Vaginal ring (NuvaRing®) factsheet. https://www.fpnsw.org.au/factsheets/individuals/contraception/vaginal-ring-nuvaring
Reproductive Health Access Project. (2018). Birth control across the gender spectrum. https://www.reproductiveaccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/bc-across-gender-spectrum.pdf
Rowland, K., & Schumann, S.-A. (2009). When to suggest this OC alternative. Journal of Family Practice, 58(4), 207–210. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3183925/
Sexual Health Victoria. (2022). Vaginal ring (NuvaRing®) factsheet. https://shvic.org.au/assets/resources/Vaginal-Ring-NuvaRing-June-2021.pdf
The Hon Mark Butler MP. (2025, October 27). Delivering better access to contraception for Australian women. Australian Government Department of Health. https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/delivering-better-access-to-contraception-for-australian-women?language=en
Wieder, D. R., & Pattimakiel, L. (2010). Examining the efficacy, safety, and patient acceptability of the combined contraceptive vaginal ring (NuvaRing®). International Journal of Women’s Health, 2, 401-409. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S6162
Resources
The information provided in this blog post is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While I am a registered health practitioner, this content is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who can consider your individual circumstances.
This blog reflects my personal views and professional experiences and does not represent the views of my employer or any affiliated organisations.
In line with AHPRA guidelines, no testimonials are included, and this blog post is not intended to advertise or promote specific services or treatments.
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