So I figured I would post the information I was given on NuvaRing before I start blogging about my experience.
THE RING - NUVARING
The ring is made of the hormones estrogen and progestin. These hormones keep you from getting pregnant.
- They keep eggs from leaving the ovaries
- They make cervical mucus thicker. This keeps sperm from getting to the eggs.
HOW WELL DOES THE RING WORK?
- For every 100 women who always use the ring as directed every month for a year, only 1 will get pregnant.
- For every 100 women who don't always use the ring as directed every month for a year, about 8 will get pregnant.
There's nothing you have to do before sex to make the ring work. Being able to get pregnant comes quickly after stopping the ring.
The ring may not work quite as well for women who are taking certain other medications. These include:
- herbals like St. John's wort
- certain medicines that are used for TB, seizures, mental disorders, or HIV/AIDS
The ring may affect the other medications you take. Always tell your health care provider about your medications.
The ring does not protet you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
THE RING DOES PROTECT YOU FROM:
- acne
- bone thinning
- cancer of the ovaries
- cancer of the uterus
- cysts in the breasts and ovaries
- bad cramps
- heavy periods
- serious infection in the ovaries
- irregular periods
- anemia (iron poor blood)
- pregnancy in the tubes
- PMS
SIDE EFFECTS INCLUDE:
- nausea - usually clears up in 2 or 3 months
- sore breasts - usually clears up in 2 or 3 months
- headache
- vaginal wetness
Many women have spotting between periods the first 2 or 3 months on the ring. This usually stops. Some women use the ring every day without a ring-free break to keep from getting their periods. It is normal for them to have spotting or bleeding the first 6 months. It may get less over time. Some stop having any bleeding at all. This is normal and will not harm your body. However, it is a good idea to get tested if you think you might be pregnant.
RISKS OF THE RING - Women on the ring have a slightly greater risk of rare serious problems than women who don't use the ring. Death occurs in very rare cases. These include:
- blood clots that start in the legs and go to the lungs
- heart attack
- liver tumors
- stroke
These risks are greater if you:
- smoke
- are older than 35
- have diabetes
- have a family history of blood clots
- have high blood pressure
- have high cholesterol
- are very overweight
THE RING CANNOT BE USED BY WOMEN WHO:
- are 35 or older and smoke
- have high blood pressure and smoke
- have high blood pressure that is not controlled with medicine
- have had a stroke, heart attack, or angina
- have had a serious heart valve problem
- have lupus with certin conditions
- have had a blood clot in the veins or arteries
- have certain blood-clotting disorders that run in their family
- have very bad diabetes
- have serious liver disease
- had breast cancer or liver cancer
- get migraine with aura
- are pregnant
- need to stay in bed for a long time
Talk to your health care provider about your risks and health problems. It will help you decide if the ring is right for you. You may need special tests or follow-up.
WARNING SIGNS - CALL YOUR HEALTH CENTER RIGHT AWAY IF YOU HAVE:
- bad chest pain
- achy soreness in the leg
- a sudden very bad headache
- headaches that are different, worse, or happen more often than usual
- aura - seeing bright, flashing zigzags, usually before a very bad headache
- trouble breathing
- severe pain in the belly or stomach
- yellowing of the skins or eyes
- a new lump in the breast
- no period after having a period every month
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