Annovera

Annovera is a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) that doesn't require a visit to the doctor. Our team can prescribe Annovera for you. With insurance, it may cost as little as $0.

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Annovera is a Vaginal Birth Control Ring That Lasts a Whole Year.

Annual

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It's a long-lasting birth control ring you use for up to a year. By year we mean 13 cycles or 13 periods.

Comfortable

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The ring is soft and squishy. Most women can’t feel it at all.

At-Home

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Each cycle, you insert and remove it yourself — no doctor appointment required.

How does Annovera work?

Annovera is a vaginal birth control ring that lasts for a whole year. You insert and remove it out on your own — zero invasive procedures required.

For each cycle, you insert Annovera and leave it in for 21 days straight, then remove it for 7 days. And repeat.

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How do I use Annovera?

Step 1

Clean the ring

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First wash and dry your hands. Then remove Annovera from the package, wash it with mild soap and water, and pat it dry with a clean towel.

Step 2

Prepare to insert

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Using your thumb and index finger, squeeze the Annovera ring into a narrow oval shape.

Step 3

Choose a comfortable position

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The Annovera ring can be inserted while lying down, squatting, or standing with a leg up on the toilet, bathtub, or bed.

Step 4

Place Annovera in your vagina

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Place the ring as far as possible into your vagina, where you can't feel it. Annovera does not need to be in any exact position, and won't obstruct the vaginal canal. Don't worry — it’s not possible for Annovera to get pushed up too far or get lost.

Step 5

Remove after 3 weeks

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Wash and dry your hands, then reach into your vagina, hook the ring using your index finger and pull down and forward to remove.

Wash the ring with mild soap and lukewarm water, pat it dry with a clean towel, and store it in the case for 1 week before inserting again.

Got Any Questions?

Never apologize for asking questions about something that goes in your vagina.

Why Annovera?

  • How long does Annovera last?

    Annovera is a long-lasting birth control ring that lasts for one whole trip around the sun. That’s 13 cycles, which is 13 periods, for those counting.

    For each cycle, Annovera is inserted and left in place for 21 continuous days and then removed for 7 days.

  • How long after insertion does Annovera start working?

    It depends on where in your cycle you start. If you insert Annovera between days 2 and 5 of your period contraceptive protection starts right away. If your menstrual cycles are irregular or if you start Annovera more than 5 days from your last menstrual bleeding, or if you are switching from a progestin-only birth control method, you should use a barrier method (like a condom) during sex for the first 7 days with Annovera. If you are switching from another birth control method, our providers will guide you about when to start Annovera.

  • Is Annovera effective at preventing pregnancy?

    Yup—when used as directed, Annovera is as effective as the pill* (maybe more effective because you don't have to remember to take it every day.)

    *Annovera is 97.3% effective at preventing unintended pregnancy.

  • Is Annovera FDA approved?

    Yes!

  • Does Annovera protect against HIV or STIs?

    No. Condoms are still your best bet to prevent against STIs, and PrEP is the most effective method of HIV prevention. Annovera is compatible with male condoms made with natural rubber latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane.

  • How should I use Annovera?

    You can insert and remove it yourself, giving you control over your fertility and menstruation. For each cycle, Annovera is inserted and left in place for 21 continuous days and then removed for 7 days.

  • What does Annovera feel like?

    It’s a soft and squishy ring that fits comfortably in your body during daily activities, including sex. Most women don’t feel Annovera once it is in place.

  • Can you leave Annovera in during sex?

    Yes, it is designed to be worn during vaginal intercourse. If you prefer, you can remove it for up to 2 hours. If Annovera is out of your vagina for more than 2 hours at one time or at different times that add up to more than 2 hours over the 21 days of continuous use, then you will need to use another method of birth control (such as male condoms or spermicide) until Annovera has been in your vagina for 7 consecutive days again.

  • How is Annovera different from other vaginal rings?

    Nuvaring and its generics are replaced monthly and last one cycle each. But Annovera lasts a year (13 cycles). For each cycle, you insert Annovera and leave it in for 21 continuous days, then pull it out for 7 days. And repeat.

  • Do I need to see my healthcare provider to stop using Annovera?

    Nope. Annovera does not require a healthcare visit for insertion or removal. You can easily remove it on your own if you change your mind about using birth control.

  • What if my Annovera ring is nearing its expiration date?

    If you insert Annovera on or before the expiration date, it will last for the complete 13 cycles (1 year) from insertion.

  • What should I do if I forget to take out Annovera?

    If Annovera is left in your vagina for more than 21 days, you should remove it for 7 days and then reinsert it for 21 days to resume a 21-to-7 schedule.

Additional Information

All hormonal birth control methods have side effects that are rare, and less common than similar medical issues during pregnancy. Make sure to review Annovera's potential side effects here..

Please note that the above Annovera content is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider to understand whether Annovera is right for you.

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