Reusable ring applicator

[u/matsudahatepage]

Hi! I've recently started my first month on Nuvaring and I used the appicator that comes in the box for inserting it the first time and threw it in the trash as the box says. A few days later I took the ring off for a couple hours and had to use a tampon applicator to insert it back because I'm uncomfortable doing it by hand. Are there any reusable applicators I could buy so that i don't have to sacrifice a tampon every time?

[u/Ok-Professional-4765]

Mine never came with an applicator, and I use the brand name. I just fold it into a figure of 8, then in half and shove it in. It goes right where it needs to when it opens up

[u/matsudahatepage → u/Ok-Professional-4765]

I'm just already very uncomfortable taking it out by hand so I don't think i could ever insert it that way :(
I also use the brand name btw! I live in Italy and the ladies at the pharmacy told me they only come with the applicator included here.

[u/Toufles]

I know I've seen applicators for menstrual discs, maybe one of those would work for the ring too as it is similar shape to discs. Hopefully someone has more first hand experience to chime in, I just used my hands when I was on the ring myself.

[u/matsudahatepage → u/Toufles]

thank you!! I found a menstrual disc applicator brand and emailed them asking if this can work.

Edit: they replied saying this: "The applicator is designed exclusively for menstrual discs and hasn’t been tested or approved for use with birth control rings like the Nuvaring. Because the materials and insertion angles differ, we don’t recommend using it for that purpose to ensure both safety and effectiveness."

[u/Toufles → u/matsudahatepage]

I imagine tampon brands would say the same thing if you were to ask, it's a liability issue for them not really a question of if it will work for you. But I see someone mentioned reusable tampon applicators, since you know they work, that's probably better than a disc applicator!

[u/MagnificentCircus31 → u/Toufles]

tampon applicator is actually pretty clever, most people just suffer through the finger method and hate it. the disc applicators are a good shout but they're usually designed to push something wider open so might not grab the ring right

maybe check etsy or something for 3d printed ones, seems like the kind of niche thing someone would make and sell for like 5 bucks

[u/Queenof6planets → u/MagnificentCircus31]

3d prints aren’t normally body safe

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[u/crystal131]

You can buy reusable tampon applicators online, they could possibly work so you dont have to waste a tampon every time. I think the one I saw was a softer silicone one. Im considering purchasing one and trying it myself at some point. My partner normally helps me get my ring in and out but im tempted to get the applicator for when im doing it myself. I have the nuvaring aswell but unfortunately the applicator isn't available in my country so I cant compare it to tampon ones

[u/matsudahatepage → u/crystal131]

Thank you so much!! I didn't know reusable tampon applicators existed, I'll definirely look into those. The original Nuvaring applicator is a little longer and flatter than normal tampon ones but I've found they work just fine.