Approximately 64.9 percent of women currently use some kind of contraception on a regular basis. Are you happy with your current birth control method? Are you thinking about switching to something new?
If you’re in the market for a new form of contraception, one of the most popular birth control options you may want to consider is the NuvaRing.
Read on for answers to all your most pressing NuvaRing questions, such as “What is the NuvaRing?”, “How does the NuvaRing work?” and “What are the benefits of the NuvaRing?”
What Is the NuvaRing?
The NuvaRing is a small, flexible vaginal ring that is placed inside of the vagina near the cervix.
This ring must be inserted with precision to ensure it’s positioned correctly and does not move. If it does move, it may be less effective when it comes to preventing pregnancy.
How Does the NuvaRing Work?
The NuvaRing releases two hormones: estrogen and progesterone. The release of these hormones prevents the production of eggs by the ovaries. It also thickens the cervical mucus, which makes it harder for sperm to reach the eggs.
This combination of effects helps people who use the NuvaRing to avoid unplanned pregnancies.
Most women wear the NuvaRing for three weeks at a time. They then remove it to allow for regular menstruation, which begins two or three days after the ring’s removal. Seven days after removing the ring, they’ll insert a new one and begin the pregnancy prevention process over again.
What Are the Benefits of the NuvaRing?
Those who are looking to learn about NuvaRing are often curious about its benefits compared to other birth control methods. There are plenty of advantages that come with using it over another option, including the following:
Highly Effective
First, the NuvaRing is a highly effective birth control option.
When it’s used in the correct way, it is up to 99 percent effective. That makes it as good of an option as other popular pregnancy prevention methods, such as birth control pills and condoms.
It takes effect as soon as it’s inserted, too, so people who are using it don’t have to wait to have sex.
Convenient
The NuvaRing is a very convenient contraceptive method, too.
If you find that you often forget to take your birth control pills, or don’t take them at the same time each day, you’re increasing your risk of unplanned pregnancy in a significant way. For those who struggle to be consistent with pills but still want to avoid getting pregnant, the NuvaRing is a great alternative.
Once it’s inserted, you don’t have to worry about it. You can go about your regular routine and rest easy knowing that you’re protected from pregnancy.
Better Periods
Many women find that, when they start using the NuvaRing as their birth control of choice, their periods improve. Their periods become more regular and easier to predict. In many cases, symptoms associated with periods like cramps, bloating, and fatigue, improve as well.
As an added bonus, women can also use the NuvaRing to skip or delay their period if they want. If they have a special event coming up and don’t want to worry about their period getting in the way, they can use the NuvaRing to prevent it until they’re ready.
Symptom Relief and Illness Prevention
In addition to providing relief from a variety of period-related symptoms, women can also use the NuvaRing to manage other health issues.
For example, the NuvaRing may help some women who struggle with severe acne, especially when their breakouts are related to hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout their cycle. It can prevent bone-thinning, too, and may help to reduce the severity of cysts in the breasts and/or ovaries.
The NuvaRing can be effective in preventing certain types of cancer, including ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. It may reduce your risk of developing infections in your ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes as well.
Women, who are already at risk of becoming anemic due to the blood loss that occurs each month during their periods, are also less likely to develop anemia when they use the NuvaRing.
Pregnancy Is Still Possible
Some women find that they have a difficult time getting pregnant after they stop using a particular birth control method.
This is unlikely to be the case with the NuvaRing, though. As soon as you take it out, you have a chance of getting pregnant (this is why it’s important to wear it consistently and reinsert it after your period).
If you’re using birth control now but know that you do want to have a family in the future, the NuvaRing can be a good choice to consider.
Potential NuvaRing Risks
Of course, there are some risks associated with the NuvaRing as well. Here are some of the most well-known risks you ought to be aware of before choosing it over another birth control option:
- Blood clots
- Toxic Shock Syndrome
- Allergic reaction
- Liver problems
- Gallbladder problems
- Elevated blood pressure
These side effects are rare. There is a chance they can happen, though, so it’s important to address them.
Some people also experience milder, yet still noteworthy, side effects when they start using the NuvaRing. They include the following:
- Tissue irritation
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Discomfort or slipping of the ring
- Nausea
- Weight gain
- Breast pain
- Abdominal pain
- Reduced sex drive
These side effects are more common than some of the extreme ones listed above. Not everyone will experience them, though. For many, the benefit of a reduced risk of unplanned pregnancy also outweighs the potential downsides that may come with the NuvaRing.
Is the NuvaRing Right for You?
Now that you know more about the NuvaRing and can answer questions like “How does the NuvaRing work?” with ease, do you think it’s a good fit for you? If so, contact your doctor today to get their professional opinion before making the switch.
Do you want to learn more about women’s health or other birth control options? Visit the Health section of our site today for some other great resources.
