QuestionHi,
I am in a bit of a panic. I am on the NuvaRing but started it two days late last cycle. It had been in for 13 consecutive days before I had unprotected sex, though we used the withdrawal method (which I know is not reliable AT ALL)as a semi-back up.
As this was the first time I had had no-back up protection while using Nuvaring I was in a state of panic that maybe it wouldn't work. So I took Plan B as an extra precaution.
After a few days of research when I called Nuvaring and a good friend in Public Health, I was feeling confident that I had been silly worrying about the effectiveness of the NuvaRing in the first place. So a few days later, 5 days after taking Plan B, I had sex again with no back-up method other than Vaginal Contraceptive Film (spermicide) and withdrawal. The NuvaRing was still in, I had not removed it at all (it was due to come out the following day which I did as-scheduled).
I was feeling fine until I read somewhere that the Plan B could have done something to effect the NuvaRing's effectiveness. Is this possible or would Plan B have acted just like an extra dose of hormones, not like something that is going to make me spontaneously ovulate?
Or, will too many hormones cancel each other out? Am I at any abnormal risk or pregnancy (by abnormal I mean greater than the 99% effectiveness of the NuvaRing)?
I took a pregnancy test today and it was negative, so I don't think I would be pregnant from the first incident, now I am just worried about the second incident (last Saturday (today is Thursday) so 5 days ago. My last period started on November 19th so it should start anytime, but I don't know if Plan B could have messed that all up. And I would think that it would be too early for a pregnancy test to accurately identify pregnancy as a result of 5 days ago--but that's why I am asking, I have no idea!
By the way, I am not an immature kid not ready for sex, but I am a single mother of one and am just trying to be extra cautious until I feel comfortable that the NuvaRing works. The pill had always worked fine for me in the past, I never worried about it, but the NuvaRing doesn't make me feel as comfortable yet.
Sorry for the long question, hope you will be able to provide an answer.
AnswerHi Katie,
I don't think you have to worry. Starting 2 days late but then having the ring in for 13 days makes you safe. Adding Plan B won't detract from your protection and perhaps adds some. Plan B sometimes can affect your next period, but it's unlikely when you're on the ring or pill. A pregnancy test will usually be positive 2 weeks after you get pregnant. If your period comes about when expected I wouldn't bother with the test.
