ethinylestradiol + etonogestrel at a glance
Medicine class
Combined hormonal contraceptive containing an oestrogen and a progestogen.
Licensed use
Prevention of pregnancy.
How it is used
The user inserts a flexible ring into the vagina. Its exact position is not critical if it feels comfortable.
STI protection
It does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections; condoms provide STI protection.
Supply
Prescription-only medicine.
What is ethinylestradiol + etonogestrel used for?
Licensed for contraception in women of fertile age.
Prevention of pregnancy.
How does ethinylestradiol + etonogestrel work?
Hormones released from the ring are absorbed through the vaginal lining. They principally stop ovulation, with additional changes to cervical mucus and the womb lining supporting contraception.
How to take ethinylestradiol + etonogestrel
Compress the flexible ring and insert it into the vagina, pushing it in until comfortable. Its precise position does not affect contraception. Check regularly that it remains present, particularly around intercourse or tampon removal.
If expelled, rinse it with cool to lukewarm—not hot—water and follow the package leaflet promptly. Additional or emergency contraception may be needed depending on the circumstances.
Remove it with a finger, return it to its resealable sachet and put it in household waste.
Do not flush the ring or applicator down the toilet.
Tampons do not alter hormone absorption, although removing one can dislodge the ring.
ethinylestradiol + etonogestrel side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache or migraine
- Vaginal infection or increased discharge
- Bleeding between periods or other bleeding changes
- Nausea or abdominal pain
- Breast tenderness
- Pelvic pain or painful periods
- Acne
- Vaginal or genital itching
- Low mood or reduced libido
- Ring discomfort or expulsion
Get urgent medical advice
- Symptoms of a blood clot, heart attack or stroke
- Sudden visual loss or marked visual disturbance
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- New migraine with neurological symptoms or a marked change in migraine pattern
- Severe or persistent depression, particularly with thoughts of self-harm
- Jaundice or other symptoms of significant liver dysfunction
ethinylestradiol + etonogestrel in pregnancy
This contraceptive is not indicated during pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs while the ring is present, remove it and contact the prescriber. Product-specific pregnancy outcome experience is limited.
ethinylestradiol + etonogestrel while breastfeeding
Oestrogen can reduce milk supply and alter breast-milk composition. The product information generally advises against use until breastfeeding has ended. Discuss contraception after childbirth with a clinician because suitability also depends on blood-clot risk.
ethinylestradiol + etonogestrel interactions
Check all prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products because some interactions reduce contraceptive protection or affect the other medicine.
Hepatic enzyme inducers, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, rifampicin, bosentan, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, griseofulvin and St John’s wort
Can increase hormone clearance, causing breakthrough bleeding and contraceptive failure. Another or additional contraceptive method may be needed.
Some HIV and hepatitis C antivirals
May raise or lower hormone concentrations. Particular ethinylestradiol-containing combinations are contraindicated because of liver-enzyme elevations.
Lamotrigine
Combined hormonal contraception may lower lamotrigine concentrations and worsen seizure control.
Common questions about ethinylestradiol + etonogestrel
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does it protect against sexually transmitted infections?
No. Condoms are needed to help protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Should I be able to feel the ring?
It should feel comfortable and is often not noticeable. Its exact position within the vagina is not critical to its contraceptive effect.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.