Switching from ring to pill?

[madannevain17.livejournal.com]

I have a question:
I just got a prescription for Sprintec. Right now I'm on the Nuva ring, but for various reasons, I have to switch (bad side effects). The doctor was a touch vague on how to make the switch. She said to just wait a month, and then take the pill, but use backup for a month. How correct is this?
Is there a way that I can just switch straight to the pill? How long does it take for the pill to be effective? I thought I knew my stuff, and then she just confused me.

Comments

[pumabear.livejournal.com]

Hey I just did this. Went from Nuvaring to Mirrette.
I'm no doctor, but I just started taking the pill the sunday I stopped my period. I think it was on Wednesdays that I was switching out my ring, so Sunday was the day I would normally let up on my period.

I would stick to doctor's orders or call the pill company, just to be safe though.

I had probs w/ the ring too.

[timeofpeace.livejournal.com]

I just switched from the ring to the pill. Just have your ring free week like as usual, and start your pack of pills when you would have normally put in your new ring.

I guess you should stick with what your doctor says, but mine said to do what I did and just switch over seamlessly.

[otherrootbeer.livejournal.com]

I believe you might only need to use back up contraception for 7 days after starting the pills, but you might do it for the month your doctor suggested just to be safe.

Week 1: Nuvaring In
Week 2: Nuvaring
Week 3: Nuvaring
Week 4: Nuvaring Free Week
Week 5: Start New Pills

[frolicnaked.livejournal.com]

According to the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health (and compiled in the Vulvapedia (http://www.vaginapagina.com/index.php?title=Hormonal_Birth_Control#What_about_when_switching_brands.3F)), back-up protection isn't necessary when switching from one combined hormonal method to another, as long as you've been using the first method consistently and correctly. They also say that if you're currently using one hormonal method, you can switch to the other "immediately". :)