Extended Menstrual Cycles After NuvaRing: What to Expect

Question
I am 26 years old and just started using the Nuva Ring.  Prior to using the ring, I was on no birth control for at least 3 months.  When I went to the local health department for my exam, I was about 1 week away from starting my monthly period.  The doctor instructed me to go ahead and start using the ring immediately.  I did, and was thrilled with it.  No problems with insertion, it wasn't uncomfortable, and it stayed put.  The doctor informed me that there was no difference taking it out after 3 weeks and leaving it in for the entire 4.  I left mine in and in 3 weeks 3 days I started my period.  It was light and next to no cramps.  I took the ring out when I started because I wasn't comfortable with leaving it in while menstruating.  I put it back in on the scheduled 4 week date. I have been on my period now for 15 days.  The flow has been light the entire time, but I am concerned that it will never end.  I asked a CVS pharmacist and they said to immediately call my doctor.  However, when I called the health department they told me that this can happen due to the previous months "skipped" period.  They said if I was still menstruating when it is time to change the ring again (another 2 1/2 weeks), to call them back.  I have a family doctor, and I am wondering if I should schedule and appointment with him.  Is this something I should wait out or should I be concerned?

Answer
I'm afraid I don't agree with your doctor about putting your first ring in a week before your period.  I think your prolonged bleeding is because of when you put the ring in.  It's almost always better to start using the ring or the pill during a period.  My advice now is to take the ring out for a week, then put a new ring in.  That will allow your period to really come down, which it apparently wants to do.  I think if you do this, once you put the new ring in, the bleeding will stop.  You'll need to use backup birth control until the new ring has been in for 7 days.  I know that's a hassle, and your other choice is to just wait it out.  If you do that, I think the bleeding will stop when you put a new ring in, and maybe before.  I don't think you need to see your doctor unless the bleeding doesn't stop once you start a new ring.  Best wishes.