The new vaginal ring on the block.

Annovera is a new vaginal ring that you can use for a whole year! It is a “long acting” form of birth control that does NOT require a procedure to have it inserted. We think it’s pretty cool… read more to find out if you think it might be a good option for you!

Fun facts about Annovera

  • Flexible, comfortable, squishy ring that is inserted into your vagina.
  • Can be used monthly, every three months, or be left in your vagina for the ENTIRE YEAR to skip your period.

  • Discreet- no one knows it’s there!

  • Uses a newer form of progestin called segesterone acetate that is less “androgenic” than most other progestins in birth control (meaning less possible side effects like acne, bloating, changes in sex drive, etc).

  • Most people don’t feel it when it’s in place and neither do their partners. It’s meant to be worn during sex and may even increase sexual pleasure for some patients.

  • Will not get lost “up there.” 😉

  • Doesn’t get “dirty” or harbor bacteria. If you get a sexually transmitted infection like chlamydia for example, simply remove the ring, wash with regular soap and water, and then reinsert Annovera.

This method could be great for someone who…

  • …doesn’t want the hassle of having to remember to take a pill each day.
  • …is interested in getting more comfortable with their body and having control over their cycles.
  • …has tried other vaginal rings, but hates the hassle of pharmacy pick up or refrigerator storage.

  • …has tried other vaginal rings, but had an increase in vaginitis (vaginal discharge, irritation or infection) with past rings.

  • …has tried other vaginal rings, but their last ring fell out! This ring is a little larger, but squishier, and is more likely to stay put.

  • …likes the idea of an IUD or Implant, (commonly known as LARCs, long acting reversible contraceptive) but would like more control over their method and/or prefer not to go through the insertion process.

This method might not be right for you if you…

….enjoy using oil based lubricants during sex (like coconut oil) or frequently use oil based medications in your vagina (like clotrimazole cream for yeast). The oil can distort the ring and make it ineffective.

…are a patient with a body mass index (BMI) of 29 or greater. Annovera is still doing research to find out if patients of a certain BMI are at higher risk for blood clots than other patients using Annovera.

How to use Annovera

Step 1

Wash and dry your hands. Remove Annovera from its package and wash with soap and lukewarm water.

Dry the ring with a clean towel. Using your thumb and index finger, squeeze the ring, choose a comfortable position, and place the ring into the vagina.

Push the ring to the very back of the vagina at the cervix using your finger (it does not need to be in an exact position to work).

Use a back up method (like condoms) or wait to have penis-in-vagina sex for the first 7 days.

Step 2

*For a monthly period: Remove the ring after using it for 3 weeks. Leave the ring out for 1 week to get your period, then reinsert.

*For a period every 3 months: Remove the ring after using it for 3 months. Leave the ring out for 1 week to get your period. When you reinsert your ring again, use a backup method (like condoms) or wait to have penis-in-vagina sex for the first 7 days.

*For no periods/continuous use for 1 year: Kick back and relax…

If you experience breakthrough bleeding (spotting or irregular periods can be a common side effect for some patients when trying to skip their periods on any method, especially in the first few months) remove the ring for 4 to 7 days to let your body do its thing. After 4 to 7 days, wash and reinsert the ring. Use a back up method (like condoms) or wait to have penis-in-vagina sex for the first 7 days.

Important things to remember

For every removal and reinsertion of the Annovera ring, make sure to wash your hands and to wash and dry Annovera with mild soap and water. Store Annovera in a case at room temperature (55-86 degrees Fahrenheit).

Annovera should not be out of the vagina for more than 2 total hours per cycle (apart from your period week). If it is out for more than 2 hours and you have had unprotected penis-in-vagina sex, please contact us to talk about emergency contraception. Use a back up method (like condoms) until it has been reinserted and in place for 7 days.

Click here to review more information on the possible side effects, benefits, and risks of the vaginal ring.