Will the hormones in my contraceptive ring affect my sexual partner?

Dear Reader, 

Ring ring...ring ring...you b(rrrring) up an interesting question, but, unfortunately, there aren't any clear answers. No research has been done to investigate whether the hormones released by the NuvaRing can be transmitted to sexual partners during oral sex. But for a more well-rounded understanding of the NuvaRing, the hormones’ journey to absorption, and potential non-hormonal effects of the ring on sexual partners, ring around the rosy, read on if you’re nosy! 

What is NuvaRing?  

NuvaRing is a birth control ring made of flexible plastic that’s placed as far up into the vagina as possible. It’s worn for three weeks before being removed for one week of the menstrual cycle and each ring is only used once, then disposed. It contains the hormones estrogen and progestin, which help prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation and by changing the mucus-y environment of the vagina to slow down sperm from reaching an egg. Despite the work it does to prevent pregnancy, it’s important to remember that birth control doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infection (STI).  

How are the hormones absorbed from a birth control ring? 

The hormones in the ring are released over the course of the three weeks it is inside the body. The vaginal lining readily absorbs the hormones from the ring because it’s made of cells that help with diffusion and selective absorption. Once the hormones are absorbed, they enter the bloodstream and the rest of the body. 

Can hormones from a birth control ring be transmitted to sexual partner(s) during oral sex?  

Unfortunately, there hasn’t been any research done to answer your question—it’s unknown whether birth control ring hormones can be transmitted from the receiver to the giver during oral sex. 

Since you can’t know for sure about the risk of transmitting hormones during oral sex, it might be helpful to focus on what you do have control over. Oral sex can transmit STIs, but you can protect yourself and your partner by: 

• Using barrier protection like dental dams and condoms. 
• Not having sex when either partner has an STI or an unhealed mouth or genital piercing. 
• Not having sex if the oral sex giver has a throat infection. 
• Getting tested if you’re sexually active, entering a new sexual relationship, having unprotected sex, experiencing STI symptoms, or having had sex with someone who has an STI. 

Can hormones from a birth control ring be transmitted to sexual partner(s) with penises? 

Just as it’s not clear whether oral sex can transmit hormones from the ring to the oral cavity of the “giver,” there is little information regarding whether this is possible during penis-in-vagina (PIV) sex. However, some research has suggested that the penis is composed of cells that are less absorptive. This means it’s unlikely that there would be any transmission of hormones from the ring to your partner’s ding-a-ling.  

That said, there might be other risks to those with a penis during PIV sex with birth control ring users. The manufacturer of NuvaRing—Organon—mentions that some people with penises who have sex with a NuvaRing user may experience bruising, pain, or rashes on their penis. 

For further information about birth control methods and how they may interact with a sexual partner, consider speaking with a health care provider.  

Hope this helps,