Expert: Norman Solberg - 4/19/2009

Question
I was on the NuvaRing for about a year and a half. Last July I went off of it because my husband and I wanted to get pregnant. The first period came as scheduled (28 days), the next few ranged from 28-35 days. Since December my periods are now 60 days apart. I still get the period symptoms every 30 days but don't actually get the period until day 60 or so. Could this be from coming off the Ring? It's been about 10 months since I've been off of it. I cannot find much on the internet re: the Ring's side affects and coming off of it; just mostly about the Pill. Do you think I should go see my Gyno? Or wait until June for a regular checkup? Thanks!

Answer
Hi Laurie,
Anything you read about the pill generally applies to the ring, since it's the same hormones over the same period, just delivered in a different way.  The way your periods are now is the way they would have been if you had never been on the ring.  As far as we know, there are no lingering after effects from the pill or the ring.  I would recommend seeing your Gyno, since your ovulations now are probably 60 days apart, which makes it hard to get pregnant.  Your Gyno can help evaluate things and assist if necessary.  Good luck.