I started using NuvaRing again for birth control. I used it years ago and it was nice to me so I thought I would try it again instead of risking forgetting pills.
I’m interested in skipping my period or as some sites call it “menstrual suppression” (I don’t like the way that sounds). So I ask the ever reliable Internet to instruct me on how to do this. With NuvaRing I’m supposed to leave the ring in for 3 weeks, take it out, have my period, put a new one in a week later. So if I skip that week, I’m wondering if I do 4 weeks with one ring or only 3 weeks. If 4 works, I would rather do that since it won’t screw with how many rings I’m using/prescribed.
This seems to be much easier with birth control pills where women can just skip the obviously marked week of placebo pills.
I found a few blogs and message boards that address the topic and most say 4 weeks is OK. But I’m overwhelmed by the stupidity that goes along with birth control use. One board was all about if you’re supposed to take out the ring for sex. You’re not supposed to take it out at all for 3 weeks. On top of hygiene issues, if it’s out for more than 3 hours, you’re no longer protected. This is basic info that comes in the box with the ring. Ironically, these women that are too stupid to use birth control are the ones that end up becoming accidental parents. No wonder kids are so fucked up. How can mommy raise you, she can’t even count weeks on a calendar.
The obvious answer seems to be “ask your doctor” but the FDA has not approved NuvaRing for continuous use so doctors don’t usually give out that kind of info. And if they do, they probably looked it up on Google, too.