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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Drugs, Specific > About leaving the contraceptive ring in
Posted on: 05/24/2007
Question
if i leave the ring in longer then im suppose to and continue to have sex will the ring still work or can i get pregnant?
Answer
It is best to follow the instructions with regard to timing the insertion/removal of the ring. Usually patients are instructed to place ring for 3 wks and then remove for 1 wk to have a withdrawal menses. If you accidentally left it in for 1 more week (4 wks total) and immediately replace with new ring, then you should still be adequately covered. If you use the ring continously (leave in for 4 wks and immediately replace with new ring), you will not have a withdrawal menses which is expected and ok healthwise. You should ALWAYS use condoms with intercourse, along with using birth control pills, patch or ring. This will not only provide backup if you are not compliant with pill/patch/ring, but also help protect you against sexually transmitted diseases.