| NuvaRing | | Print | |
What It IsThe NuvaRing is a slender, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina once a month to prevent pregnancy. After the ring is inserted, it releases a low dose of hormones into your body for three continuous weeks. You insert the ring yourself, but it is available by prescription only. For women who like the effectiveness of hormonal birth control methods, but don't want to have to remember to take a pill or don't want to get a shot, the NuvaRing is a good option. The effectiveness of the NuvaRing, when used correctly, is better than 99 percent. How It WorksAfter the ring is inserted, it releases a low dose of two hormones, progestin and estrogen. The hormones simulate pregnancy, preventing ovulation. The hormones may also thicken the cervical mucus, which blocks sperm, and thin the endometrial lining of the uterus, making it more difficult for a fertilized egg to attach. Advantages
DisadvantagesNeed to remember to replace it every three weeks Requires a prescription Does not protect against against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.Who Should Not Use the NuvaRingYou should not use the NuvaRing if you:
Health BenefitsBesides its high effectiveness rate, hormonal methods of birth control such as the NuvaRing also reduce the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and benign breast disease. These methods also reduce heavy bleeding, the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, and bone loss. In addition, they can help regulate your period, reduce blood flow, and lessen cramping. Possible Side EffectsMost side effects are bothersome, but not serious and will go away with time. The most common side effects are breast tenderness, headaches, nausea, missed periods, bleeding between periods, weight gain or loss, and mood changes. The NuvaRing can also cause vaginal infections, irritation, and discharge. Health RisksIn rare cases, using hormonal types of birth control, such as the NuvaRing, can raise your risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and blood clots in the legs, lungs, heart, or brain. Although the risks rarely occur, they can be life threatening. Most experts now believe that hormonal contraceptives do not increase your risk for breast cancer. Before using the NuvaRing, be sure to ask your health-care provider about any medical conditions that might exclude you from using hormonal contraception. How To Use the NuvaRingWorking with you nurse practitioner or clinician, select a day of the week to begin using the vaginal ring. At the beginning of the fourth week, remove the ring on the same day of the week in which it was inserted and at approximately the same time. Leave it out for one full week before inserting a new ring. A week after the last one was removed, insert a new ring, even if your menstrual period has not stopped. Insert the new ring on the same day of the week in which it was inserted in the last cycle and at approximately the same time. How To Insert the NuvaRingEach NuvaRing comes in a re-sealable foil pouch. Wash and dry your hands before removing it from the pouch. Save the pouch for disposal later on. Then: Choose a position that is comfortable for you. Hold the NuvaRing between your thumb and index finger and press the sides together. Gently push the folded ring to the back of your vagina. The exact position of the ring inside your vagina is not important for it to work. Once inserted, keep the ring in place for three weeks in a row. When you remove the ring, place the used ring in the foil pouch and dispose of it in a waste receptacle out of reach of children or pets. Most women do not feel the ring once it is in place. If you feel discomfort, try to gently push the ring farther back into the vagina. There is no danger of NuvaRing being pushed too far or getting lost. Possible ProblemsOn rare occasions, the NuvaRing can slip out of the vagina. This might occur if it has not been inserted properly, or while removing a tampon, moving your bowels, or straining. If the NuvaRing has been out of the vagina for less than three hours, you should still be protected from pregnancy. Rinse the NuvaRing with cool to lukewarm water (not hot) and reinsert it as soon as possible. You do not need to use an additional method of birth control. If the NuvaRing has been out of the vagina for more than three hours, you may not be protected from pregnancy. Rinse the NuvaRing with cool to lukewarm water and reinsert it as soon as possible. You must use a backup method of birth control, such as the male condom or female condom, until the NuvaRing has been in place for seven days in a row. If you forget and leave NuvaRing in your vagina for an extra week or less, remove it. Do not insert a ring for a week, then insert a new one after that time. If NuvaRing has been left in place for more than four weeks, you are no longer protected against pregnancy. Check to see that you are not pregnant. If you are not pregnant, you may insert a new NuvaRing, but you must use a backup method of birth control such as the male condom or female condom, until the NuvaRing has been in place for seven days in a row. While using NuvaRing, you should not use a diaphragm for a back-up method of birth control. Drug InteractionsKeep in mind that the ring contains medication. Like all drugs, the NuvaRing can interact with other substances, including drugs such as tetracycline, an antibiotic; Dilantin, an anti-epileptic; and St. John's wort, an herbal supplement used to treat depression. Several other drugs also should not be taken with the ring. Be sure to always tell your health care provider that you are using NuvaRing and never share it with friends. When to see a doctorIf you experience any of the following problems, while using the NuvaRing, call a doctor immediately:
How to Protect Against STIs and HIV/AIDSThe only way to guard against getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is not to have sex or to have sex only with partners who you know are free of infection. If you do have sex, you should use a latex barrier, such as a male condom, a female condom, or a dental dam, every time. Condoms provide protection against against STIs, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDs. Tapestry Health clinicians recommend using such barriers even in combination with other methods of birth control. Latex condoms are preferred to lambskin condoms for the prevention of STIs. Using a spermicide together with a latex barrier can also help keep you from getting an STI.If you have questions about the NuvaRing, talk to your clinician. |
