The Ring

Brand Name

NuvaRing

Recent News Regarding NuvaRing

• NuvaRing Linked to Blood Clot Risks

How it Works

NuvaRing (ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel) is a flexible plastic contraceptive ring that is inserted into the vagina. It works by releasing combination of the female hormones estrogen and progestin, which work to prevent pregnancy in three ways. First, the hormones prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from one of the ovaries). NuvaRing also causes the cervical mucus to thicken, blocking sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg. Lastly, the hormones prevent the uterine lining from thickening, making it less hospitable to implantation.

Hormonal contraceptives are only to be utilized as a form of birth control and do not protect against the transmission of HIV (AIDS) or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

How to Use

With clean hands, remove NuvaRing from the foil pouch. Hold it between your thumb and index finger, and press the sides together. While lying down, squatting or standing with one leg up (similar to how you would stand to insert a tampon), gently push the folded ring into your vagina. If you have discomfort after inserting NuvaRing, slide it in farther, until it is comfortable. The exact position of NuvaRing is not important for it to be effective.

Keep NuvaRing in place for three weeks. Remove the ring after three weeks on the same day it was inserted, preferably at the same time. To remove, hook your index finger under the rim or grip the rim with your thumb and middle finger. Gently pull it out. Place NuvaRing in its foil pouch and dispose out of reach of children and animals. Do not flush it.

Insert the next NuvaRing exactly one week after you removed the previous ring, regardless of whether your period has ended.

If NuvaRing comes out during the three-week wearing time, rinse it with warm water and reinsert within three hours.

Effectiveness

NuvaRing has been shown to prevent pregnancy in over 99% of situations when it is the only birth control method utilized and when NuvaRing is used exactly as directed.

Cost

On average, NuvaRing costs between $30 and $55.

Benefits

NuvaRing is an effective method of birth control when used as specified. Some women choose NuvaRing for the convenience of only having to worry about removing and inserting the birth control once a month, instead of daily.

All combination birth control methods, NuvaRing included, have also been shown to possibly have the following benefits:

• Menstrual cycle may become more regular, and blood flow may become lighter (reducing the chances of anemia).
• Cramps or other pain during menstruation may become less intense and/or frequent.
• Noncancerous cysts or lumps in the breast may occur less frequently.
• Ectopic pregnancies may occur with less frequency.
• Acute pelvic inflammatory disease may occur less frequently.

Risks

Etonogestrel, the progestin component of the Ring, is the active breakdown product, or metabolite, of desogestrel. Desogestrel is a third-generation progestin, which some studies have shown to increase the risk of venous thromboembolic events (blood clots in the legs and/or the lungs).

All hormonal birth control methods, including NuvaRing, can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke and heart attack, especially for women who smoke and/or are older than 35. Women who are taking oral contraceptives should not smoke.

Blood Clot Update: NuvaRing Increases Risk of Venous Thrombosis & Related Health Issues

A May 2012 study published in the British Medical Journal revealed that women who use NuvaRing face a 6.5x increased risk of developing life-treatening blood clots known as venous thromboembolisms (VTE). Even in otherwise healthy, young women, VTEs can lead to other health issues, including:

• Pulmonary Embolism – blood clot in the lungs
• Stroke – blood clot in the brain
• Heart Attack – blood clot in the heart
• Death – any one of the above risks may prove fatal

Possible side effects include

• Mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Headache, nervousness, dizziness or tired feeling
• Changes in menstrual period, decreased sex drive
• Breast pain, swelling or tenderness
• Increased hair growth or loss of scalp hair
• Freckles or darkening of facial skin
• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Problems with contact lenses

Regular use of oil-based medicines in the vagina for treatment of yeast infections may increase the amount of hormones released by NuvaRing. This will not diminish the effectiveness of the ring. Speak with your health care provider if you need long-term treatment for yeast infections while using NuvaRing.