The
Pill
Birth
control pills are also called ‘The Pill’, or combined oral contraceptives,
depending who you ask. The pills contain two hormones, known
as estrogen and progestin. The pills prevent pregnancy by stopping
the release of an egg from the ovaries. If the egg is not released,
then a pregnancy will not occur. The pills also prevent pregnancy
by thickening the mucus in the opening of the cervix. The thicker
mucus now in place, makes it difficult for the sperm to reach
the uterus or fallopian tube. Birth control pills are considered
to be a safe and effective method of birth control, for many
women. If you decide to begin using birth control pills, you
should become knowledgeable about them, as well as the other
options. To use this method, you swallow one pill containing
hormones each day for three weeks. In the fourth week you swallow
a reminder pill, or take no pill at all. During the fourth week
you get your period. It cannot be stressed enough that you take
the pill each day at the same time in order for them to be effective.
There
are many different types of birth control pills which contain
different amounts or dosages of estrogen and progestin. Many
health care providers recommend that you take the oral contraceptive
that contains the least amount of estrogen and progestin required
to meet your needs. The lower the dose, the fewer side effects
that you can expect. It might take a few months for your body
to adjust to the hormones. If in three months, your symptoms
do not disappear, let your physician know. It may take a new
pill with different strengths of the hormonal content to work
best for you.
Your
physician will help determine which type of birth control pill
is best for you. If you are bleeding abnormally, or have other
side effects, your provider may recommend changing you to a
different type of pill. It is important that you communicate
any problems you are having with your physician.
Effectiveness:
If the pills are used consistently and correctly, just 1 in
1,000 women will become pregnant. But among typical women who
use combined birth control pills, about 3 in 100 will experience
an accidental pregnancy in the first year. The two most common
mistakes that lead to this higher risk of accidental pregnancy
are missing pills, and starting a new pack late.
The
Pros:
Besides
the obvious, there are many good things that may come from taking
the pill. The list follows:
1)
Oral contraceptives are thought to protect against some cancers,
including cancer of the ovaries and cancer of the lining of
the uterus, which is also called endometrial cancer.
2)
The pill typically decreases the amount of blood lost during
your period. This reduces anemia due to iron deficiency. The
pill also decreases menstrual cramps and pain.
3)
When you are on the pill, you will always know when you will
have your period.
4)
Many women enjoy sex more when they are on birth control pills
because they know they won’t get pregnant. It can be more spontaneous!
There is nothing to do at the time of intercourse. There is
no mess or anything to remember. (which is so good when we have
enough to deal with these days!!)
5)
Women who take birth control pills are less likely to have osteoporosis
as they age. Osteoporosis is a loss of bone density that can
lead to bone fractures and other bone problems later in life.
6)
An ovarian cyst occurs when a follicle in the ovary keeps growing
when it should stop. This can only occur after an egg is released.
When you are on the pill, no egg is released. Therefore, you
are much less likely to have ovarian cysts.
7)
Certain types of pills can decrease skin oiliness and acne.
However, other types may increase these problems. If you develop
more acne while using the pill, your physician may be able to
reduce these problems by changing you to a different type of
pill.
The
Cons:
1)
The pill does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases,
including HIV/AIDS or other infections. Use a condom if you
may be at risk. You can use the pill and use condoms at the
same time. THIS is important!!
2)
You have to remember to take a pill every single day at the
same time for this method to be effective. Every woman differs,
and while some have less nausea when taking the pill at night,
others may have more. Again, it may take a few months before
you figure out what works best for you.
Side
Effects
Any
and all side effects or problems you might experience with the
pill should be reported to your doctor.
1)
Spotting is slight bleeding between periods and one of the most
common problems women experience in the first month or two on
the pill. It is normal and is not a serious sign. Spotting typically
stops after you have been on the pill several months. If you
take the pill each day at the same time, you should have less
of a problem with this issue.
2)
Nausea is one of the most common problems women experience in
the first month or two on the pill. Again it is common and is
not a serious sign. It is usually experienced in the first few
days of the pill cycle, and usually goes away after you have
been on the pill several months. If you experience nausea, it
may help to take the pill after eating.
3)
In many cases, the pill improves acne and decreases oily skin.
However some women develop acne when on birth control pills.
It has been shown that women on lower doses of the hormone have
less of a problem. Many women also experience changes in skin
color when on the pill, especially with prolonged time in the
sun.
4)
Some women experience breast tenderness while using birth control
pills.
5)
Some women retain more fluid while using the pill. This can
lead to a bloated feeling.
6)
Some women gain weight with the pill, and some women lose weight.
(This is one of the most unpopular side effects!) The weight
gain is a result of the increased fluid, as well as a true increase
in our appetites.
7)
Birth control pills tend to make your periods short and light.
For those not taking the fourth week of the placebo, you will
not get a period. This is truly a benefit for some, while others
like having that period.
8)
Some women experience depression when using birth control pills.
If you experience any feelings of feeling low, you should alert
your MD. Some women complain of nervousness or moodiness when
using birth control pills. Women are less likely to experience
these changes when using a low-dose pill.
9)
Some women lose their interest in sex. Vaginal lubrication may
decrease while you are on the pill due to a change in hormone
levels, so using a lubricant during sexual intercourse would
prove helpful. Others may enjoy sex more because the risk of
pregnancy is much reduced.
10)
Finally, mild headaches may occur in some women who take oral
contraceptives. Tell your physician or nurse if you experience
severe headaches or an increase in headaches. This may be a
sign of a serious problem.
The
Risks:
There
are risks associated with the pill, however, most of these risks
are considered to be rare. Always call your doctor or other
health provider if you experience severe pain in your abdomen,
chest, or legs, if you have severe headaches, or if you have
eye or vision problems. What follows is a list of some of the
risks involved in taking the birth control pill. Keep in mind,
it is a combination of hormones. Serious side effects from the
pill are rare.
1).
An increase in blood pressure may occur in some women who take
oral contraceptives. Because this poses serious risks, women
over the age of 35 will not be given the pill be good physicians.
2)
There is a slight increased risk of blood clots when using birth
control pills. If you have severe pain in your chest or legs,
see your doctor or other health care provider quickly.
3)
This is a very rare condition. 1 in 30,000 to 500,000 women
on birth control pills develops a benign, or non-cancerous,
liver tumor.
4)
The data is conflicting as to whether pills promote the growth
of breast cancer. Most studies have shown that birth control
pills do not increase a woman’s risk of having cancer, including
breast cancer. However, some studies have shown that young women
whose periods begin at an early age, and who take oral contraceptives
for many years prior to a first birth, may be at increased risk
of developing breast cancer before menopause. This is very rare.
If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, make
sure your doctor knows and make sure that you perform a monthly
self-check for lumps.
5)
The data is conflicting as to whether pills promote higher rates
of cervical cancer. Some studies show a higher rate of cervical
cancer in women who have used birth control pills. Other studies
do not show a higher rate of cervical cancer in these women.
The data is complicated by other factors. For example, women
who begin having sex earlier are more likely to have cervical
cancer. These women may also have been more likely to use birth
control pills at some point in their lives.
6)
It is very rare that heart disease is associated with low-dose
birth control pills. However, certain risk factors, when combined
with the birth control pill, will increase your risk of heart
disease. If you smoke, especially more than 20 cigarettes per
day, if you have high cholesterol, and if you are over 35, you
have an increased risk of having problems. Therefore, your risk
of taking the pill may outweigh its benefits, and it is likely
that the pill will not be prescribed for you.
7)
Serious side effects from the pill are rare. Your chance of
gallbladder disease, while rare, is slightly increased in women
who use the pill.
Choosing
the pill as your birth control measure is a BIG step. It is
therefore important that you know the facts and get a good physical
prior to taking the pill. Ask questions, pay attention to your
body!
Extras
Here's
some common concerns women have when taking the pill.
1)
What If I Miss Pills?
If you miss an active pill, your protection against pregnancy
is reduced. Take the pill as soon as possible after you remember,
then keep going as usual. This means that you will take 2 pills
in 1 day. If you miss two or more pills, take two pills each
day for the next two days. Use a back-up method for the next
two weeks. If you miss three or more pills, you are at higher
risk for becoming pregnant. Speak with your health care provider
about what you should do next. He or she may recommend that
you begin a new pack the next day, and that you use a back-up
method for the next two weeks. If you miss a pill in one of
the last 7 days of a 28 pill pack, then you have missed an inactive
"reminder" pill. This pill does not contain hormones.
Throw away the missed pill and keep going as usual. Finally,
remember to always take pills in the order they are placed in
the pack.
2)
What If I Don’t Get My Period?
With lower dose combined birth control pills, you may have little
or no bleeding during your period. A small spot of blood on
your underwear, pad or tampon is considered to be a period when
you are on the pill. If you have taken your pill every day,
and at the same time each day, it is very unlikely that you
are pregnant. However, if you missed one or more pills, or if
you had vomiting or diarrhea during that month, your risk of
pregnancy is increased. If you have missed pills, or if you
have no bleeding at all for two months in a row, you may want
to take a home pregnancy test or contact your health care provider
for a pregnancy test.
3)
Can Other Drugs Affect The Pill?
Other drugs can affect your birth control pills, and make them
less effective. These drugs include antibiotics such as penicillin,
ampicillin and tetracycline, and certain epilepsy medications.
Before you take any other prescription medicine, make sure your
health care provider knows that you are on birth control pills.
4)
When Should I Call My Doctor?
Call your doctor or other health care provider if you have sharp
chest pain, cough up blood, have a cramp in the calf, severe
or sudden headache, vomiting, dizziness or fainting; sudden
loss of vision, breast lumps, sudden or severe pain in the lower
abdomen, depression, yellowing of the skin or whites of the
eye. Call if you have any questions.
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The
"Mini-Pill"
The mini-pill, or progestin-only pill, is considered to be a
safe and effective method of birth control. The mini-pill is
a different type of pill than the combined oral contraceptive
you commonly know as "the pill". Compared with combined
oral contraceptives, mini-pills contain a lower dose of progestin,
and no estrogen. Like "the pill", he mini-pill must
be taken at the same time every day to be effective. The progestin
makes the mucus in the cervix thicker. The thicker mucus makes
it difficult for the sperm to reach the uterus or fallopian
tube.
Effectiveness:
Like
with the combination pill if this pill is used consistently
and correctly, just 1 in 200 women will become pregnant. But
among typical couples who use progestin-only pills, about 5
in 100 will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first
year. The two most common mistakes that lead to this higher
risk of accidental pregnancy is missing pills, or starting a
new pack late, as with the combination pill.
The
Pros:
1)
Mini-pills have certain protective benefits. It is medically
stated that women who take mini-pills have a 50% decrease in
risk for cancer of the lining of the uterus, or endometrial
cancer, and a 50% decrease in risk for ovarian cancer.
2)
Because the Mini-pills do not contain estrogen, there is no
chance of the problems associated with taking estrogen occurring.
i.e. strokes. etc.
3)
Many women on mini-pills have lighter periods or no periods
at all. They also have less menstrual cramping. (which is nice!)
4)
Mini-pills are commonly prescribed for breastfeeding mothers
because they do not appear to affect the quantity and quality
of the breast milk.
The
Cons:
1) Mini-pills are not as effective at preventing pregnancy as
combined birth control pills. With the combined pill, the risk
of pregnancy for typical couples is 3 in 100. With the mini-pill,
the risk of pregnancy for typical couples is 5 in 100. This
is obviously, something to consider when talking to your physician.
2)
Progestin-only pills do not protect you from sexually transmitted
diseases, including HIV/AIDS or other infections. Use a condom
if you may be at risk for these diseases. You can use the pill
and the condom at the same time.
Side
Effects:
1)
Irregular periods are one of the most common complaints with
mini-pills. You may not have your period on time, and you may
have bleeding between periods. Mini-pills tend to make periods
short and light. You may go several months with no bleeding
at all. Many women consider this an advantage if they know what
to expect.
2)
Some women experience headaches while using the mini-pill. However,
this is a less common side effect. If you have severe headaches
that keep coming back, or if your vision starts to become worse,
or becomes blurred, you should contact your health care provider
immediately.
3)
Some women experience breast tenderness while using the mini-pill.
However, this side effect is not as common as with combined
birth control pills.
4)
Nausea is one of the most common problems women experience in
the first month or two on pills. However, this problem is less
common for women on the mini-pill than for women on combined
oral contraceptives.
5)
Some women gain weight with the pill. However, this is less
of a problem with mini-pills than with combined birth control
pills.
6)
Women taking mini-pills have an increased risk of having ovarian
cysts.
7)
Rarely, women have reported side effects such as dizziness,
acne and excess hair growth on their face and body.
The
Risks
1)
The hormone progestin can lower the body’s ability to tolerate
glucose. Diabetics should be monitored carefully on this hormone.
However, in general diabetics do not need to change their insulin
levels.
2)
If you do become pregnant while using the mini-pill, the pregnancy
is slightly more likely to be ectopic. An ectopic pregnancy
cannot develop into a full-term baby. It is dangerous to the
mother’s health and must be removed.
Extras:
1)
What If I Miss Pills?
Since the dose is low, if you miss even one pill you are no
longer protected against pregnancy. If you miss one pill, then
you should take two the next day, and use a back-up method of
birth control for the next 48 hours. Even if you take the pill
3 hours late, you are at higher risk. If you are late taking
a pill, take it as soon as you remember, and take your next
pill at your regular time. Use a back-up method for 48 hours.
If you miss more than one, then you should ask your health care
provider about what you should do. If you are late starting
a new pack, then use a back-up method until 48 hours have passed
after starting the new pack.
2)
Will I Still Get My Period?
Some women on mini-pills release an egg and have regular periods.
Some women do not release an egg and do not have periods. Other
women release an egg some months and not others, and may or
may not have their period. If you do not have a period for more
than 45 days, you may want to take a pregnancy test.
3)
Use in Women Over 35
Many providers consider the mini-pill to be an excellent choice
for women who are older. It has fewer side effects when compared
to combined oral contraceptives, such as fewer headaches and
less high blood pressure. It may also be more effective in older
women.
3)
Can Other Drugs Affect My Pills?
Other drugs can affect your pills, and make them less effective.
Drugs that can make pills less effective include anticonvulsant
medicine for seizures such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine
(Tegretol), phenobarbital and other barbituates. Antibiotics
like rifampin (rifampicin) can also affect the mini-pill. If
you are taking any of these or other medications, make sure
you tell your healthcare provider that you are taking birth
control pills.
4)
When Should I Call The Doctor?
Call your doctor or other health care provider if you experience
sudden or severe pain in your lower abdomen or stomach. This
could indicated an ectopic pregnancy or ovarian cyst. Call if
you suspect you are pregnant. You may be pregnant if you took
1 or more pills late and did not use a backup method, if you
have not had your period for 45 days.
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Depo-Provera:

Depo-Provera contraceptive is a hormonal injection which is
considered to be a safe and effective method of birth control.
To use this method, women receives an injection every 13 weeks.
Each injection contains progestin, a hormone much like the hormone
a woman produces during the last 2 weeks of each monthly cycle.
This hormone stops the woman from passing an egg. It also thickens
the mucus in the cervix, making it difficult for the sperm to
enter the uterus. The hormone is absorbed slowly from the body
and lasts for 13 weeks. For many women, because there is nothing
to remember, except the physician visit every three months,
this is a more convenient method.
Effectiveness:
Among typical couples who use Depo-Provera, about three in 1,000
will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year. To
have similar protection from pregnancy, you must get your shots
on time. Your risk of pregnancy may increase if you are late
for your next scheduled injection.
The
Pros:
1)
Easy to use! Four shots a year, nothing to remember to do each
day, and spontaneous sexual intercourse!
2)
Extremely effective!
3)
Because there is less bleeding, women who suffer from anemia
will benefit in the long run.
4)
There is no reported increase in risk for breast cancer or risk
for cancer of the uterus.
5)
Depo-Provera is considered to be safe for breastfeeding mothers
because the hormone does not appear to affect the quantity or
quality of the breast milk.
6)
Depo-Provera may prevent problems such as uterine fibroids.
It also has a protective effect against endometrial cancer and
possibly a protective effect against ovarian cancer.
7)
Depo-Provera injections do not contain estrogen. Estrogen can
cause certain complications, such as an increase in the risk
of heart problems and risk of stroke.
The
Cons:
1)
The long road to fertility... This method does not permanently
change your ability to become pregnant. However, after your
last shot it may be a number of months before your periods return
to normal and you are able to become pregnant. In women who
stop using this method to become pregnant, 50 percent can become
pregnant within 10 months after their last injection, 68 percent
can become pregnant within 12 months after their last injection,
and 93 percent can become pregnant within 18 months after their
last injection.
2)
For some women having to go to the doctors every three months
is a turn off.
3)
There is no protection from STD's or HIV.
4)
The injection. Many simply do not like the thought of getting
an injection.
Side
Effects:
1)
Unfortunately, Depo can leave a woman with irregular periods.
Rarely, women may have heavy bleeding. As you continue to get
injections, the bleeding and spotting between periods will decrease.
Many women stop having periods altogether.
2)
Breast tenderness can also be a problem in some women.
3)
Weight gain can also be a problem.
4)
Depo-Provera may cause a slight loss in bone density, although
this is not certain. This could increase your risk of bone fractures.
To protect your bones from this bone loss, called osteoporosis,
get regular exercise and consider taking extra calcium.
5)
Other reported side effects include dizziness, abdominal pain,
nausea, acne, anxiety, leg cramps, bloating, swelling of hands
or feet, backache, depression, hair loss or excessive hair growth,
and joint pain.
The
Risks:
1)
Allergic reactions can occur in some women.
2)
There is no increased overall risk for ovarian, breast, uterine,
cervical, or liver cancer with this method of birth control.
However, there is a slight increased risk of breast cancer in
women under 35 who had their first exposure to the hormone in
the last four to five years.
3)
This method is considered very safe, but there are some risks.
The hormone used in the shot may affect your body’s ability
to metabolize cholesterol. This can increase your risk of heart
disease. Also, hormone-based methods of birth control may increase
your risk of blood clots or stroke.
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Norplant

Norplant contraceptive implants are considered to be an effective
method of birth control. Norplant does require a small surgical
procedure to be inserted. If you decide to begin using Norplant
contraceptive implants, you should know what to expect in the
first few months. Norplant implants are 6 soft plastic implants
which are inserted into the underside of the upper arms. The
implants are the size an shape of matchsticks. The implants
give off the hormone progestin, which is the hormone a woman
produces naturally in the last two weeks of the monthly cycle.
It thickens the cervical mucus making it difficult for the sperm
to reach the egg. It may also prevent the egg from being released.
Effectiveness:
Among typical couples who use Norplant implants, about 1 in
1,000 will experience accidental pregnancy in the first year.
The
Pros:
1)
It is very effective.
2)
Fertility returns when implants are removed.
3)
No thoughts of birth control once placed.
4)
Less bleeding, so good for the naturally anemic female.
5)
Last five years!
6)
Norplant is not known or suspected to cause cancer. In fact,
it may help to prevent certain cancers, such as cancer of the
lining of the uterus.
The
Cons:
1)
Removal might be uncomfortable for some women.
2)
Not many physicians do the implanting.
3)
In some thin women, or those with pale skin, the implants can
be seen under the skin.
4)
No protection from STD's or HIV.
5)
Infection at the site of implantation can occur.
The
Side Effects:
1)
Norplant is quite likely to cause very irregular periods. 40%
of women have no periods, some women have longer periods, and
some women have bleeding between periods.
2)
It may worsen PMS and depression.
3)
Weight changes also occur, with weight gain occurring more often.
4)
Acne can be a problem for some women.
5)
Ovarian cysts can occur.
6)
Breast discharge is a slight discharge from the nipple. This
is more common among women who have had insertion of the implants
right after they stopped breastfeeding.
7)
Other side effects include headache, nervousness, nausea, hair
loss, hair growth on face, dizziness, acne and darkening of
the skin over your implants, and breast tenderness. Implants
may cause some arm discomfort or itching.
Extras
1)
How Is It Put In?
First, you are given a local anesthetic in the area where Norplant
will be inserted. This numbs the area. Then, a small incision
is made in your upper arm, about 1/4 of an inch long. The implants
are pushed into place through a hollow tube placed under the
skin. They are placed in a fan-like position. This procedure
takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will not need stitches, but
bandages will be placed over the area. Usually, the procedure
does not hurt.
2)
How Soon Am I Protected?
If Norplant was inserted during the first 7 days of your period,
and you were having menstrual bleeding, you are protected as
soon as the implants are inserted. If you were not having menstrual
bleeding at the time of insertion, then you should use a backup
method or do not have sex for 48 hours following insertion.
3)
How Are They Removed?
When you have Norplant put in, you should also make sure that
your healthcare provider will remove the implants when you want
them removed. Removing Norplant is similar to inserting Norplant.
You will receive an anesthetic to numb the upper arm. The implants
are then pulled out through a small incision. Stitches are not
required. In some women, however, the tissue around the implants
can thicken. This can make the implants difficult to remove.
You may have a small scar.
4)
What Does It Cost?
On average, Norplant costs $500 and $800 to insert, and $150
to $200 to remove. This cost may seem high at first, but can
average less than $20 per month over 5 years.
5)
Can Other Drugs Affect Norplant?
Other drugs can affect Norplant, and make the implants less
effective. Drugs that can make Norplant less effective include
anticonvulsant medicine for seizures such as phenytoin (Dilantin),
carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital and other barbituates.
Antibiotics like rifampin (rifampicin) can also affect norplant.
If you are taking any of these or other medications, make sure
you tell your healthcare provider that you are taking birth
control pills.
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Ortho
Evra

ORTHO
EVRA is a NEW birth control patch approved by the FDA. It attaches
directly to your skin, and you can apply and remove it yourself.
It is a safe, highly effective, convenient, reliable, and reversible
way to prevent pregnancy. In fact, ORTHO EVRA is 99 percent
effective when used correctly.
ORTHO
EVRA is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy. ORTHO EVRA
is not for everyone. Women should speak with their healthcare
professional about which birth control method is right for them.
The
contraceptive patch contains hormones similar to those in birth
control pills. The ORTHO EVRA birth control patch delivers hormones
directly through your skin and into your bloodstream. This may
help eliminate some of the disadvantages associated with other
birth control methods. Hormonal contraceptives are not for everybody.
Most side effects of the contraceptive patch are not serious
and those that are, occur infrequently. The most frequent side
effects included nausea and / or vomiting, site reaction (rash),
breast symptoms, headache, and emotional reactions. Serious
risks, which can be life threatening, include blood clots, stroke
or heart attacks and are increased if you smoke cigarettes.
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular
side effects, especially if you are over 35. Women who use hormonal
contraceptives are strongly advised not to smoke. Some women
should not use the contraceptive patch, including women who
have blood clots, certain cancers, a history of heart attack
or stroke, as well as those who are or may be pregnant. The
contraceptive patch does not protect against HIV or other sexually
transmitted diseases.
The
patch can be worn in four places; the buttocks, abdomen, upper
torso (front and back, excluding the breasts) or upper outer
arm. You can wear it in a different place each week. Change
your patch once a week. Change it at any time of the day, as
long as it is the same day each week. ORTHO EVRA stays on while
you swim, exercise, bathe, and shower. Warm, humid conditions
will not affect its sticking power.
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What's
New In Hormonal Birth Control?
Nuvaring

Nuvaring
is a vaginal contraceptive loop made from flexible polymer,
which contains a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin.
The vaginal ring joins two other safe effective hormonal methods
approved in the last year, the levongestrel intrauterine system
(Mirena®), and the monthly shot (Lunelle®).
The
vaginal contraceptive ring -- a new birth control product --
consists of a flexible, transparent, colorless vaginal ring
about 2.1 inches in diameter containing the hormones etonogestrel
and ethinyl estradiol, which are similar to the active ingredients
in some oral contraceptives. After the ring is inserted, it
releases a continuous low dose of the hormones. A new ring is
used each month for continuous contraception.
The
ring must be used as directed for maximum contraceptive effectiveness.
A woman inserts the ring herself, and it should remain in the
vagina for three weeks.
She
then removes the ring for one week during which she will have
her menstrual period.
Like
oral contraceptives, NuvaRing is a highly effective contraceptive
when used according to the labeling. Out of 100 women using
NuvaRing for an entire year, one or two will become pregnant.
The
manufacturer will provide a patient information brochure describing
the effectiveness, benefits, and risks of the product. The patient
brochure also provides information about proper use, insertion,
and removal, as well as storage and disposal of NuvaRing, and
also includes information about reinserting the product if it
is expelled. If the ring has been out of the vagina for more
than three hours, an additional method of contraception (male
condom or spermicide) must be used until the ring has been back
in place for seven days. NuvaRing may interfere with the correct
placement and position of a diaphragm.
Other
side effects of NuvaRing may include vaginal discharge, vaginitis,
and irritation. Like oral contraceptives, NuvaRing may increase
the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. The labeling
for NuvaRing also carries the warning that cigarette smoking
increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects from
combined hormonal contraceptive use, and therefore cautions
that women who use NuvaRing should be strongly advised not to
smoke. Patients who have not adhered to the prescribed regimen
and who have missed a menstrual period should have a pregnancy
test to rule out pregnancy.
Nuvaring
is manufactured by Organon Inc., and is available by prescription
from health care providers. A woman inserts the ring herself,
which is designed to remain in the vagina for three consecutive
weeks. A new ring is used each month for continuous contraception.
Clinical trails have shown effectiveness rates for the ring
to be similar to oral contraceptive pills.
Disclaimer:
Clitical
does not promote one method of birth control over another. This
is merely an informational section with guidelines you should
consider before choosing the best possible birth control for
you and your partner to follow. It is important to see your
physician when using some birth control methods and when any
problems arise with any of the discussed methods that can be
found below.
Hormonal
Methods ~ Barrier
Methods ~ Surgical
Methods
IUD's
~ Natural
Methods ~ Emergency
Contraception
Back
To Birth Control Index