Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. 

This is Nuvaring, and it's a flexible vaginal ring used to prevent pregnancy. 

Your first use should be the day you and your doctor have agreed on. On that day, you will place it in your vagina, and it will release a steady, low dose of hormones into your body. Unless your doctor says otherwise, the ring remains in the vagina for 3 weeks and is removed for 1 week. After that week, the pattern is started again with a new ring. 

Some side effects can occur, like headaches, nausea, vaginal irritation or secretions. These are normal if they are mild and should go away. You may also notice weight gain. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop using it, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, like blood clots, heart attacks or stroke. To reduce these risks, it's important to not smoke cigarettes. Also, have an exam by your doctor at least once a year, and call right away if you have unusual changes to your body. 

This medicine may not prevent pregnancy if the ring slips out of the vagina for more than 3 hours. If this happens, read the 'patient information leaflet' or talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

You should know this medicine does not protect you from sexually-transmitted diseases. 

For best results, plan ahead for refills and read the 'Patient Information leaflet' in full.