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Birth Control

Vaginal Ring-NuvaRing

Nuvaring, like many other new hormonal methods of birth control, offers an exciting alternative to the standard birth control pill. Having received FDA approval fall 2001, the vaginal ring is expected to be available later this year.


Nuvaring is a soft, flexible, transparent ring that, when inserted into the vagina, emits a low-dose of synthetic estrogen and progestin hormone that works like the birth control pill and stops ovulation.

Nuvaring is placed in the vagina where it remains for 3 weeks when it's removed for a fourth "free week," during which a women will then have her period. A new ring is then inserted on the same day, at the same time it was inserted in the last cycle. About 2 inches in diameter, the one-size-fits-all Nuvaring is squeezed in two and gently inserted into the vagina, opening up and resting against the cervix. Because Nuvaring is not a barrier form of birth control, exact positioning is not critical. To remove, the index finger simply "hooks" the forward rim of the ring and is pulled out

Nuvaring has about the same effectiveness as the birth control pill, between 98 and 99%.

Nuvaring is a very easy, discreet method of birth control that doesn't require remembering to take a daily pill or get a shot. The ring can be removed for up to 3 hours during intercourse, with no need for backup contraception.

The most common side effects, similar to those experienced with the birth control pill, include:

Vaginal infections and irritation;	Upper respiratory illness;
Vaginal discharge;	Abdominal cramps;
Breast tenderness;	Menstrual cramps & changes in bleeding;
Headache and/or dizziness;	Spotty darkening of the skin, typically in the face;
Skin irritation at the application site;	Change in appetite; Hair loss;
Nausea;	Nervousness and/or depression.

Women who take use Nuvaring are at increased risk for blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, breast cancer and liver tumors. Chances may increase with age, if she smokes, and her health history. Immediately call Women's Health Services if the following signs occur:

Unusual swelling or pain in legs	Sudden shortness of breath;
Yellow color in eyes or skin;	Severe headache;
Breast lumps;	Severe sleep problems;
Pain in abdomen,	Severe depression;
chest, or arms;	Blurred or double vision, or other eye problems.

Go to FAQ about NuvaRing.

By being frank with your healthcare provider, the two of you can work together to determine the birth control and disease prevention methods that best suits your health, your preferences and your lifestyle.

For more information, click on the hormonal and barrier click on the links below.

Hormonal Birth Control

Barrier Birth Control