Birth Control Options

Lesson 3: More Advances in Birth Control

NuvaRing

NuvaRing is a flexible plastic ring about 2 inches in diameter and 1/8th of an inch thick that is placed inside the vagina for three weeks. Over those three weeks, the ring releases small amounts of both estrogen and progestin similar to the amounts found in birth control pills. NuvaRing must be inserted during the first five days of the woman's period and a back up method should be used for seven days. NuvaRing only needs to be placed inside the vagina, so you can't insert it incorrectly.

The hormones that are in the ring stop ovulation from occurring, and thicken the cervical fluids making it difficult for sperm to survive and fertilize an egg. If the ring slips out of the vagina, it must be replaced within three hours. If the ring does fall out, it should be washed with cool or lukewarm water (not hot) and replaced. If it has been longer than three hours, a back up method must be used for seven days. You can switch directly from a combination pill, or the patch to the ring just insert the ring within 7 days of your last active pill or patch change day. If you are switching from an injectable method, (Depo-Provera or Lunelle) you should insert the ring on the same day that your next injection is due. If switching from either an IUD or Norplant, the ring should be inserted the same day of removal of the old method. If you are switching from mini-pills to the ring, you can insert the ring on any day and stop taking the pills. A back up method must be used for seven days after insertion.

When NuvaRing is used as directed (back up methods used when needed, changed every month, does not fall out) it is 98% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Side effects of NuvaRing include; vaginal infections and irritations, vaginal discharge, headache, weight gain, breast tenderness, mood swings, irregular bleeding, vomiting, fluid retention, rash, depression, change in appetite, and abdominal cramps, bloating, and nausea. Severe possible side effects include; blood clots, heart attacks and strokes, high blood pressure and heart disease, cancer of the breast, gallbladder disease, and liver tumors.

Some cons of using the ring include; no protection from STDs, possible side effects, requires a prescription, cost more than the pill, some medications and herbs will decrease effectiveness, and there is a small chance it will fall out. Pros of using this method include; easily inserted at home, discreet, fully reversible, and is very effective.

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