Pregnant Despite Hormonal Ring

last updated: 19.12.2024

Is it possible to get pregnant while using a vaginal ring?

⭕️ Could I be pregnant on birth control ring? – Quiz

It is possible to get pregnant despite birth control ring (Nuvaring® or Ginoring®).
This can happen if the hormone ring was stored or used incorrectly.
While this is not a common occurrence, it is nontheless possible.

This page addresses why it is possible to become pregnant on a vaginal ring, the probability of this occurring, and what you can do if you find yourself in this situation.

Could I be pregnant on NuvaRing®/birth control ring/vaginal ring? — Quiz

Answer three multiple-choice questions and receive an immediate evaluation on whether you could be pregnant despite using a birth control ring and guidance for your next steps.

Facts About Contraceptive Hormonal Rings

What is a hormone ring?

Hormone rings (aka, contraceptive rings, birth control rings, vaginal rings, estrogen rings, or simply “rings”) are small, flexible plastic rings containing hormones inserted directly into the vagina. They are part of the hormonal methods of contraception.

How many people use vaginal rings?

Worldwide, around 1.5 million women use a vaginal ring. (Medical News Today 2017) Just below 10% of sexually active adults report using a hormonal vaginal ring for contraception in the US (Center for Disease Control, 2019).

Differences between manufacturers: All contraceptive hormone rings, regardless of the manufacturer (e.g. Nuvaring®, Annovera®, Circlet®, Ginoring®, Cyclelle®, VeriAristo® and Setlona®), contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. These vaginal rings from various manufacturers differ slightly in the composition of the carrier materials and the amount of progestin and estrogen. However, the release rate of each hormone is identical.

How does a vaginal ring work?

The hormones are absorbed directly by the vaginal mucosa and thus slowly enter the bloodstream. Estrogens inhibit monthly ovulation, and progestins change the consistency of the lining of the uterus. This prevents an already fertilized egg from implanting. The hormones also thicken the mucus in the cervix to prevent the sperm from entering the uterus.

Pregnant with Birth-Control Ring: Probability and Causes 📈

Even though contraceptive rings are considered very effective, it is still possible to become pregnant.

💊 Take the test: "Should I Take the Morning-After Pill?"

Chances of Getting Pregnant Despite Nuvaring®

The Pearl Index is a statistical unit measuring contraceptive methods' reliability. Using a vaginal ring for contraception has an index rate of 0.4 - 0.65.

This means that 4-7 in 1,000 women who use vagainal rings will get pregnant within a year.

Causes of Pregnancy Despite Contraceptive Ring

Incorrect use: insertion of the ring at the wrong time; using the same ring for too long; positioning the ring incorrectly in the vagina; removal of the ring from the vagina for too long; loss of effectiveness through interaction with other drugs, etc.
Storage: storage above 86° Fahrenheit (30° Celsius) or not in the original packaging, not protected against light and moisture
Material defects: This can lead to the ring breaking, despite correct usage.

Anxious I Might Be Pregnant Despite Vaginal Ring

Do you suspect you may be pregnant because you notice pregnancy-like symptoms, even though you are using a hormonal contraceptive ring? These symptoms don’t necessarily mean that you are pregnant — they could also be side effects of the vaginal ring.

Take a deep breath, and then tackle things one step at a time.

To find out whether you are pregnant, take a pregnancy test. The vaginal ring will not falsify the result.

For more information, go to "How Does a Pregnancy Test Work?"
Take our free Online Pregnancy Test and receive an immediate professional evaluation.

Unplanned Pregnancy Despite Birth Control Ring — Now What? Three Possible Steps Forward:

If you find yourself pregnant even though you were using a vaginal hormone ring, you might feel unsure how to respond. The unexpected news may have completely shaken you, especially if you had been using a hormonal ring as a reliable form of contraception for several years. Many thoughts, questions, and emotions are probably surfacing right now.

Perhaps you experienced something like Klarissastrmu, who recounts her unintended pregnancy despite Nuvaring on the German Profemina forum: "The first shock came three weeks ago when it was time to remove my Nuvaring, and it was nowhere to be found. So, I immediately went to see my gynecologist. She examined me and performed a pregnancy test. She said the ring must have fallen out while I was using the bathroom, but the test was negative.
However, since then, I have noticed more and more physical changes. I bought another three tests, and they were all positive."

Or you may have had a similar experience to Rahel: “It has only been three months since my husband and I decided that we did not want any more kids. We've been using Nuva Ring for about three years. The news completely threw us for a loop."

Step #1: Take time for yourself! 🕰 🛋

Be kind to yourself! Take time to let the news of your pregnancy settle. Time is necessary to allow all your thoughts and feelings to surface and sort them out. Maybe you have already told your partner. His (possible) reaction is probably affecting your thought life.

Step #2: Seek support! 🙌

You don’t have to go through this alone! Many women have surprise pregnancies, and support is available. What kind of support would help you feel less anxious about the pregnancy? What is needed right now? Can you think of someone you would like to confide in?

Step #3: Discern your unique path! ☀️

Listen to what your heart and mind are telling you in order to discover which path corresponds to your unique design and leaves you without regrets. While immediate anxious thoughts often speak the loudest, the whisper of your heart usually knows the way, directing you to the path that is best for you and considers your whole being: your values, your personality, your true desires…

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Pregnant on NuvaRing®