Is Nuvaring a Safe Contraceptive?
Once a Month is All that’s Needed for This Birth Control
Sep 21, 2009
Nuvaring is a convenient contraceptive that allows women to insert one ring per month. Using the contraceptive only requires remembering to insert the ring once a month, and it is beneficial for women who have a hard time remembering to take a birth control pill. The Nuvaring is also endorsed by gynecologists. The Nuvaring was endorsed after the patch was removed from public circulation. The patch was found to increase chances of stroke and severe hypertension, so it was no longer available. The next best choice was Nuvaring, and it has become a more favorable way to use birth control since it is invisible and has little side effects.
How Does Nuvaring Work?
Nuvaring contains two hormones that are naturally found in the woman’s body. Both estrogen and progestin are hormones that control ovulation and menstruation. These hormones stop the ovaries from releasing an egg into the fallopian tubes. The egg travels down the fallopian tubes and implants in the uterine wall. Nuvaring continues a natural stream of this hormone into the woman’s body, so the signal to release an egg is never seen, therefore preventing its release.
How Do Women Use Nuvaring?
The Nuvaring is a transparent, circular ring that is flexible so it can be inserted into the vagina. Although the ring looks clear and empty, it actually has the contraceptive hormones on the ring that slowly absorb in the woman’s tissue. The hormones enter the body slowly for approximately three weeks. Once the hormones run out, the woman has her period just like a regular cycle. After approximately 5 days, a woman re-inserts a new ring to control the cycle of ovulation once again. This method is similar to the birth control cycle with which most women are familiar. The slow absorption into the skin is the same as taking one birth control pill a day.
Disadvantages of Nuvaring
The most difficult part of dealing with the Nuvaring is the chance that it may accidentally fall out during sexual intercourse. Nuvaring is not felt by the woman, so if it dislodges and falls out, the woman is usually unaware. It’s important to check that the Nuvaring is still inserted after intercourse. Additionally, if it does dislodge, the option for Plan B, or the morning after pill is available.
Before taking any type of birth control, it’s important to check with a physician first. The Nuvaring is a healthy alternative to typical birth control pills and other contraceptives. It also requires less scheduling, and it does not make the patient sick like doubling up on a birth control pill after forgetting to take one. Nuvaring may take a little more maintenance like checking it’s still inserted, but it is far more convenient than typical birth control contraceptives.
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