NuvaRing

FACT SHEET

What it is:

The NuvaRing is a clear, flexible, silver-dollar sized ring. Each month, a new ring is inserted into the vagina and left in place for three weeks to prevent pregnancy. The ring is removed and discarded the fourth week of the month.

How it works:

NuvaRing releases estrogen and progesterone, two kinds of female hormones, which are slowly absorbed into the body through the walls of the vagina. These hormones keep an egg from being released by the ovaries. They also prevent pregnancy by changing the lining of the uterus and the mucus of the cervix.

Effectiveness:

The ring is 99% effective. It works as well as the birth control pill or shot. For added safety, a backup method (such as foam and condoms) is used for the first 7 days of ring use.

Some advantages:

  • Easy, safe, and effective
  • No need to remember a pill each day or to use a method right before sex
  • You put it in and take it out yourself – one size fits everyone

Some disadvantages:

  • Increased vaginal secretions
  • Vaginal irritation or infection
  • Can’t use a cap or diaphragm as a backup contraceptive

Who should not use NuvaRing:

Women with the following health conditions: Liver problems, blood clots, unexplained vaginal bleeding, breast cancer, possible pregnancy

These are other health problems that should be discussed with your provider before usingthe ring: Migraine headaches, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, seizures, family history of cancers.

Common side effects:

  • Vaginal irritation / infections
  • Appetite changes, bloating, cramps, nausea, weight gain, fluid retention
  • Breast tenderness
  • Spotting
  • Depression, headaches

Other facts to think about:

NuvaRing does not protect against AIDS or sexually transmitted infections. Women who use the NuvaRing should also use condoms for safer sex.

The risk of serious heart and blood vessel side effects increases in women who are over 35 and smoke cigarettes. Smoking is discouraged for women who use the ring.

To prevent possible weight gain, consider a low-fat diet and a regular exercise program.

More information about NuvaRing:

To insert, hold the ring between your thumb and index finger. Press the opposite sides of the ring together. Gently push the folded ring into your vagina. Most women do not feel the ring when it is in place. If it feels uncomfortable, push it farther back into the vagina. There is no danger of pushing it in too far.

Remove the ring by hooking the index finger under the forward rim or by holding the rim between the index and middle finger and pulling it out.

To discard a used ring, place it in the foil pouch and discard it in a waste receptacle out of the reach of children and pets.

If the ring slips out, rinse it with cool water and reinsert as soon as possible, at the very latest within 3 hours. After 3 hours you must use a backup birth control method.

Use a backup method such as foam and condoms for the first 7 days of ring use.

Your provider will tell you when to insert the first ring based on your history. If you did not use a hormonal contraceptive in the past month, you will start between Day 1 (the day you start your period) and Day 5 of your next cycle.

Resources for more information:

Call the Family Planning Nurse at Neighborhood Family Practice

(216) 281-8945 x 268

NUVARING.COM

1-877-NUVARING

Our Bodies, Ourselves for the New Century,

/ The Boston Women’s Health Book Collective

(available at your local library)

Always read the package inserts and any information that comes with medications you are taking.

9 / 2004