Penile swelling due to Nuvaring allergy?

I started the nuvaring about 8.5 months ago.
My boyfriend and i have noticed a day or so after we have intercourse that there is a swollen ring right below the head of his penis, and its quite itchy and irritated.
Would this be from rubbing against it, direct trama, or could this have been some sort of allergic reaction?
Again this has only been a problem since i have been using Nuvaring, and am quite concerned.


I've done some research but haven't really found anything helpful.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[David Tinkelman, M.D.]

Either one of the explanations you offer could be the problem; direct rubbing against the ring or an allergic reaction; allergy to estrogen, a female hormone, has been reported.  A third possibility is that the  drug is an irritant to his penis.  This is most likely just a nuisance rather than something to be “quite concerned” about.  He might want to try rinsing with soap and water after withdrawal.  If the reaction persists you may have to consider using another method of contraception.

Good luck