How to Choose the Right Contraceptive Method
How They Work; Pros and Cons
The Vaginal Contraception Ring (NuvaRing)
| Composition- |
Thin flexible plastic ring approximately 2 inches in diameter.
It is designed to release 0.120 mg etonogesrel and 0.015 EE per day over 21 days |
| Mechanism of Action- |
Releases a continuous low dose of estrogen and progestin over a 21 day period |
| Dosage- |
Inserted on or before the 5th day of menses. One vaginal contraceptive ring is inserted into the vagina kept in place for three week in a row. It is removed for a one week break and then a new ring is inserted. Menses will usually occur in the ring free interval. |
| Advantages- |
- Provides effective birth control for 3 consecutive weeks.
- Avoids first pass effect.
- Usually not noticeable during intercourse.
|
| Disadvantages/Side-effects- |
- Does not protect against STI's or HIV
- The common side effects reported by users of the vaginal contraception ring are: vaginal infections and irritation, vaginal discharge (leukorrhea), headache, weight gain, nausea.
|
| Efficacy- |
98% effective (PEARL Index 0.65). |
| Contraindications/Poor candidates- |
- Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy.
- Blood clots in your legs (thrombosis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), or eyes now or in the past.
- Chest pain (angina pectoris).
- Heart attack or stroke.
- Severe high blood pressure.
- Diabetes with complications of the kidneys, eyes, nerves, or blood vessels.
- Known or suspected breast cancer or cancer of the lining of the uterus, cervix, or vagina (now or in the past).
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or of the skin (jaundice) during pregnancy or during past use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills).
- Liver tumors or active liver disease.
- Disease of the heart valves with complications.
- Need for a long period of bedrest following major surgery.
- An allergic reaction to any of the components of the vaginal contraceptive ring.
|
Last Modified: September 5, 2006
