NuvaRing Definition:
The NuvaRing is a type of reversible prescription birth control. It consists of a comfortable, flexible contraceptive ring that is about 2 inches in diameter and is used to prevent pregnancy.
How It Is Used:
The NuvaRing is inserted into the vagina one time a month. The muscles in the vaginal wall will keep the ring in place for 21 days. The ring is removed by the woman after 3 weeks, which allows for her to have her menstrual cycle. She can then insert a new ring (once the week is over) to continue to be protected against pregnancy. The ring must be inserted on the same day of the week as it was inserted in the last cycle or pregnancy may occur.
How It Works:
The NuvaRing slowly releases a low dose of synthetic estrogen and etonogestrel (a progestin) to protect against pregnancy for one month. Like other combined hormonal methods,
- The ring helps in preventing the release of an egg
- It may also thicken the cervical mucus which makes it difficult for sperm to swim through
- The hormones may thin the lining of the uterus, making it less receptive to the implantation of a fertilized egg
Advantages:
- The ring is discreet – nobody will know that a woman is using it, and it usually cannot be felt be the woman or her partner
- It does not need to be fitted by a doctor
- Can lead to regular, lighter, and shorter periods
- Completely reversible – the ability to become pregnant returns quickly after stopping use
- NuvaRing does not interfere with having sex and can allow for more spontaneity.
Non-Contraceptive Advantages:
At this point, scientists are assuming that the NuvaRing may offer some of the same non-contraceptive advantages as the pill. Further research is being conducted on this. Some of these additional benefits may include protection against:
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Cancer of the ovaries
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Ovarian cysts
- Acne
- Depression (associated with PMS)
- Excess body hair
- Painful menstrual cramps
- Cancer of the lining of the uterus
- Osteoporosis
- Vaginal dryness
- Premenstrual symptoms
- Anemia (iron deficiency ) that results from heavy periods
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Noncancerous breast growths
- Headaches (associated with PMS)
Disadvantages:
There is a low incidence of side effects for those women who choose to use the ring. These side effects will usually go away after 2-3 months of use and may include:
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Weight gain or loss
- Nausea
- Changes in mood
- Breakthrough bleeding (lower incidence as compared to the pill)
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Vaginal irritation or infection
Who Can Use The Ring:
This type of contraceptive can be a safe a birth control option for most healthy women. It is important that a woman discuss her complete medical history with her healthcare provider before using the NuvaRing.
Typically, serious problems do not occur very often with hormonal contraceptive use. Some women could still use the ring even with certain risk factors as long as they remain under close medical supervision.
The ring is not recommended for women who have:
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Smoke cigarettes and are 35 or older
- A history of serious heart valve problems
- Had a heart attack
- Had an abnormal growth or cancer of the uterus or breast
- Controlled blood pressure and smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day
- A history of blood clots or vein inflammation
- Certain types of migraine headaches
- Need prolonged bed rest after major surgery
- A history of severe liver disease or liver growths
- Weak pelvic floor muscles
- Chronic constipation
- Certain vascular conditions
- A history of certain inherited blood clotting disorders
- Had certain types of stroke
How to Obtain:
In order to obtain a prescription for the NuvaRing, a woman has to have a medical evaluation, blood pressure check, and pelvic exam by a physician. Women can then have the prescription filled at a local pharmacy.
Costs Associated with the NuvaRing:
Although prices vary from area to area, the typical cost for the ring is approximately between $30 and $35 a month (plus the expense of having a medical examination in order to obtain the prescription). In many communities, Medicaid covers the cost for this contraceptive method. A woman should check with her private health insurance policy as coverage for birth control varies.Effectiveness:
The NuvaRing is 92% to 99.7% effective. This means that with perfect use, less than 1 out of every 100 women who use the ring will become pregnant in one year. With typical use, 8 out of every 100 women who use the ring will become pregnant in one year.Certain medications may also decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives like the ring.
The effectiveness of the NuvaRing can also be lowered due to user error. A woman may be more at risk for pregnancy if:
- The ring does not stay in the vagina for 3 weeks in a row
- If the ring is left in the vagina for more than 3 weeks
- The ring slides out of the vagina and is not replaced within 3 hours
- The unopened NuvaRing package is exposed to direct sunlight or very high temperatures.
