Taking the
Pill everyday becoming hard to swallow?
-A NuvaRing© that is.
Over
50 years since it was first introduced, the pill is the most popular method of
birth control in the US
Today's
post is dedicated to reintroducing the NuvaRing, another method of hormonal
birth control, which works in a way very similar to the pill.
First
released over 10 years ago, the NuvaRing offers the same effectiveness of the
pill but without the commitment of remembering to take it everyday around the
same time. It is a soft, flexible, small plastic ring filled with hormones that
you insert into your vagina once a month.
Yes
that's right, vaginal insertion. While it may sound "technical," ladies
who regularly use tampons should have no problems managing this with no extra
special skills required. In fact they sell applicators to keep things simple.
Like
the pill, the ring works by giving off two hormones to prevent the ovaries from
releasing eggs (a process called ovulation).
Also like the pill, the NuvaRing comes with similar risks. The pill and
the ring both carry increased risks of forming blood clots. Women who smoke are
at even more of a risk of getting these clots which can lead to stroke, heart
attack and potentially fatal condition called pulmonary embolism.
The
best candidate for the NuvaRing is a woman who is comfortable with the variety risks
and benefits of using hormonal methods of birth control. In fact a woman like
this might be pretty much happy with her pill but at the end of each pack always seems to wonder..
Did I miss any days? or Why do I have extra
pills left (in addition to the sugar pills)?
and ultimately: Could I be pregnant?
After
the NuvaRing is inserted its left in for three weeks, removed for one week
(where you should have your period) and then a new ring is inserted at the end
of the 4th week. A new ring every month, it can be as simple as that!
So
now that we've reintroduced the NuvaRing, lets recap:
Vaginal Insertion?
We mentioned the risks&benefits of using
the ring would be essentially the same as using the pill. Unlike with the pill,
the most common side effect with the NuvaRing is an increase in vaginal secretions
and vaginitis. Vaginitis is inflammation of the vaginal tissue that can cause
itching & pain. In a study of 2500 women(done by makers of the NuvaRing),
5-14% experienced side effects like this.
No Smoking Allowed
As with the pill, the hormones in NuvaRing increase the risk of forming
blood clots that can cause stroke, heart attacks or a pulmonary embolism.
Smoking cigarettes (e-cigs too) makes the blood even more likely to form these
clots. Don't forget ladies, its always a good time to quit smoking!
Expulsion! Its
possible for the NuvaRing to come out on its own, during sex or even in the
bathroom. If this happens, simply rinse and reinsert. In the first 2 weeks
after insertion, if the ring is left out of the vagina for more then 3 hours, a
backup barrier method (like condoms) should be used.
Always Protect
Yourself!
As with
any other non-barrier method (like the pill) the NuvaRing will not protect you
against STDs such as HIV.
Now
that you know the NuvaRing a little better, perhaps you will find it's right
for you or someone you know!
Post any comments or questions you have about this or
other methods of birth control here or on our other social media outlets. We
promise prompt responses so follow us at Speculumdiaries on Instagram and on facebook.
How safe is this birth control? Is it too difficult to place the ring? Do I really have to touch myself? Can I just have the ring placed in the office? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat question! The nuvaring is very safe. It is very easy to place just like a tampon. You may wish to use an applicator for an easier placement, however, it is not necessary. You do not have to have the ring placed in the office because it is that easy! Remember to remove the ring after 3 weeks, and to replace it with a new ring on the 4th week. Good luck.
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