Nuva Ring

The Nuva ring is a brand of vaginal ring. Nuva ring is often used to refer to all vaginal rings (like Vaseline is used to refer to all petroleum jellies). It uses the same hormones as in birth control pills and works in a similar way.

An examination and doctor’s prescription is needed for the Nuva ring. This adds to the cost of using a Nuva ring. In addition, a new ring is used each month and the Nuva ring is used even when there is no sexual intercourse. It also does not prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s).

For couples who enjoy being spontaneous and have frequent intercourse, the Nuva ring is a good choice of birth control. Women who can take the pill can usually use the Nuva ring without worrying about remembering to take the pill daily. For busy women, this can be a very appealing advantage.

The Nuva ring is inserted in the vagina and left in for three weeks and then removed for a week. A new ring is then inserted. Once a woman learns how to insert a Nuva ring at her health care professional’s office, she can do it herself at home each month.

The Nuva ring is 99% effective in preventing pregnancy when used correctly. When the women who do not use the ring correctly are included, the Nuva ring is 93% effective. It is not as effective in preventing fertilization of the egg.

The hormones, estrogen and progesterone, prevents pregnancy by preventing a woman from ovulating and becoming pregnant, thickening the mucus so sperm cannot live in it, and when fertilization does occur, interfering with implantation of the egg in the uterus (it is expelled).

The side affects of the Nuva ring can include the following:

· Bleeding between periods

· Nausea

· Breast tenderness

· Vomiting

· Vaginal irritation

· Infection

· Increased vaginal discharge

· Change in sex drive

· Stroke

· Heart attack

· Blood clot

Once the Nuva ring is no longer being used, it can take 2 months or more before periods return to before using the Nuva ring. There are other rare serious side effects that can be discussed with your health care professional.

Some women with the following conditions may not be able to use the Nuva ring:

· 35 years or older

· Very overweight

· Diabetes

· High blood pressure

· Smoke

· High cholesterol

· Needs prolonged bed rest

· Blood clotting disorders

Many women are able to use the Nuva ring without any problems once their body adjusts to the hormones. Precautions will still need to be used to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases when using a vaginal ring.

Healthy women who want a low maintenance birth control option find the Nuva ring a good choice.