Thread: NuvaRing: Is this normal?

I'm 23, have never been pregnant and have always had regular periods. I used a combination pill for birth control for several years, and then switched to NuvaRing for roughly 6-8 months from late 2009 to mid 2010 with no problems or anything irregular, and then I stopped using it for probably 3-4 months since I no longer had the need to use birth control.

Having recently become involved in a relationship I decided to start using the Ring again and inserted it as the instructions said, within the first five days of a new cycle (within the first five days of bleeding).

That was on November 15th, so three weeks ago tomorrow. Since my period had already started it continued heavy for a few days like normal and then the flow lightened, but since then it has not stopped. I've been bleeding consistently, not enough for a tampon but enough for a couple panty liners a day, and it has been brown-dark brown in colour. I wouldn't really call it spotting because it hasn't been starting, stopping and starting again, it has been consistent since my "regular" period finished.

According to the user guidelines, since I have had the ring in for three weeks I should take out the ring tomorrow evening for one week to allow for my period, and then insert a new one next week (on the 13th).

What I want to know is, is this kind of consistent discharge normal for the first month? When I first went onto the Ring I was switching straight from a combination pill, so I didn't experience this.

Ideally if I take the ring out tomorrow I would get a normal period this week, and then insert a new ring next week and be back on regular three weeks not bleeding one week bleeding. I'm just concerned that since I've been consistently bleeding lightly/having brown discharge since I put in the ring I won't get a regular period upon taking it out.

What should I do, just continue with the insert/remove schedule as normal (taking it out tomorrow) and hope it evens itself out? Or is this abnormal and should I see a doctor?

Thanks very much

I had done the nuva ring 6-7 years ago when i was 19 till i was 21. And when i first started it i did bleed for a month but then it went back to my normal period which isnt so normal. Hope this helps