Notice: Student Health and Counseling Services will be closed Friday, September 26th and will reopen Monday, September 29th. This includes all services at the Student Health and Wellness Center, Health Promotion services at Cowell, and Counseling services at North Hall, Cowell, and at all satellite locations.

For care, call the Advice Nurse (530-752-2349), Counseling 24-Hour Line (530-752-0871), or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988). 

For emergencies, please dial 9-1-1 or go to Sutter Davis Hospital, 2000 Sutter Place (Covell Blvd. & Hwy 113), 530-756-6440. An emergency phone is by the parking permit machine at the lot entrance.

Thank you for your understanding.

NuvaRing

Overview of NuvaRing (The Ring)

The NuvaRing is a combined estrogen/progestin ring that is inserted into the vagina and left in place for 3 weeks, then removed for a 7 day ring-free period to permit withdrawal bleeding. Requires a visit to a healthcare provider to get a prescription and a visit to a pharmacy to get medication. 

How It Works

The hormones prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation) and the progestin thickens the cervical mucus, which helps to prevent the entry of sperm into the uterus. The NuvaRing can be removed for up to 3 hours (e.g. during vaginal sex), but if it has been out for more than 3 hours, it should be reinserted and a backup method (such as condoms) should be used until ring has been in for 7 consecutive days. 

Efficacy

Typical use: data not available

Perfect use: 99.7% 

Advantages

  • Highly effective
  • Predictable, regular menstrual cycles
  • Easy to use
  • Does not interfere with having sex
  • Can be used continuously to decrease the number of periods 

Disadvantages

  • Must remember to remove and insert ring
  • Users needs to be comfortable with inserting the ring
  • May have unscheduled bleeding or spotting during the first 2-3 cycles
  • Offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections 

Availability

Available at SHCS Medical Services by prescription