|  | Family Health | Family Planning

Information On NuvaRing

Women have many types of birth control available to them. NuvaRing is a form of contraception, which prevents pregnancy with the two hormones estrogen and progestin. It is the only form of vaginal contraceptive approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. When used correctly, it is 99 percent effective, which is the same as the Pill. Women who use NuvaRing should know how it works, how to use it, side effects and risks.

  1. How It Works

    • The hormones in NuvaRing prevent the ovaries from producing and releasing mature eggs. It is inserted into the vagina where the hormones are absorbed into the bloodstream. NuvaRing is left in place for three weeks, while a continuous dose of hormones are released. At the end of three weeks, you remove NuvaRing on the same day of the week and time which it was inserted. Removing it allows a woman's menstrual cycle to begin. One week after you remove NuvaRing, a new one needs to be used to prevent pregnancy. A new ring must be placed on the 29th day, the same day of the week it was removed, to be effective.

    Using NuvaRing

    • A woman can start on NuvaRing by obtaining a prescription for it from her health care provider. Your doctor will check your medical history and determine the correct time for you to begin using it. Starting NuvaRing is based on the date of your last menstrual cycle and the type of previous birth control used. A doctor may advise a woman to use a second form of non-hormonal birth control, during the first week of use.

    Side Effects

    • Common side effects from using NuvaRing include vaginal infections or irritation, headaches, weight gain and nausea. A woman using a combination of hormonal birth control methods can experience irregular bleeding, abdominal cramps, depression and nervousness. A change in your menstrual cycle also can occur after using two forms of hormonal birth control. A doctor should be contacted if a woman experiences sharp chest pains, leg cramps, a sudden change in vision or shortness of breath.

    Warnings

    • A woman should not smoke when using NuvaRing because it can increase her risk of serious heart problems. Additionally, she should not breast-feed when using NuvaRing or use a diaphragm as a backup form of birth control. Your doctor should be notified if you take medications, vitamins or herbal remedies because these can prevent NuvaRing from being completely effective. Women with a history of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure or cancer should not use NuvaRing. It does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

    Stopping Use

    • A woman desiring to become pregnant can stop using NuvaRing at any time. After removing it, she can experience a short period of infertility; however, regular ovulation typically returns within 13 to 28 days.

Family Planning - Related Articles