- Welcome page »
- HCP home »
- What is NuvaRing? »
- How does NuvaRing work?
How does NuvaRing work?
NuvaRing is a monthly combined hormonal contraceptive method that inhibits ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus.1,13 The inhibition of ovulation, which is primarily due to the activity of the progestogen etonogestrel, is probably the most significant contributor to NuvaRing’s contraceptive efficacy. Etonogestrel is the biologically active metabolite of the selective progestogen desogestrel, which is a strong inhibitor of ovulation with few androgenic effects. NuvaRing is associated with >99% contraceptive efficacy, which is comparable to combined oral contraceptive pills.3–5,7,8
NuvaRing is a non-oral method of contraception and ethinylestradiol and etonogestrel are continuously delivered by vaginal administration at low levels10,11 which means that NuvaRing is able to bypass first-pass metabolism. This means that NuvaRing is unaffected by gastrointestinal side effects such as vomiting and diarrhoea.1
Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.yellowcard.gov.uk.
Adverse events should also be reported to MSD Drug Safety Department on 01707 363773

