NuvaRing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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NuvaRing
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| NuvaRing is a flexible plastic ring. | |
| Background | |
| B.C. type | Hormonal |
| First use | ? |
| Failure rates (per year) | |
| Perfect use | 1% |
| Typical use | 1-2% |
| Usage | |
| Duration effect | 4 weeks |
| Reversibility | 0-4 weeks |
| User reminders | Inserted for 3 weeks and then removed for a gap week |
| Clinic review | Annual |
| Advantages | |
| Periods | Periods do not begin while ring is inserted. |
| Benefits | Easy installation and removal, only requires action every 1-3 weeks. |
| Disadvantages | |
| STD protection | No |
| Weight gain | Yes |
NuvaRing is the trade name for a vaginal ring prescription contraceptive sold by Organon. It is a flexible plastic ring that administers a low dose of a progestin and an estrogen over the course of 3-4 weeks.
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[edit] Use
The official documentation for NuvaRing suggests insertion of the ring into a woman's vagina for a three-week period, then removal of the ring for one week, during which the woman will experience a period. The break week with NuvaRing is comparable to the placebo week for oral contraceptives ("the Pill"), and the contraceptive effect is maintained during this period.
Insertion of the ring is comparable to insertion of other vaginal rings. NuvaRing may fall out during sexual intercourse, while straining during a bowel movement, or while removing a tampon. However, the ring retains its contraceptive effect so long as it is reinserted within three hours.
[edit] Side effects
Common side effects reported by users are vaginal infections and irritation, vaginal discharge (leukorrhea), headache, upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, weight gain, and nausea. Other potential side effects include vomiting, change in appetite, abdominal cramps and bloating, breast tenderness or enlargement, irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting, changes in menstrual cycle, temporary infertility after treatment, fluid retention (edema, spotty darkening of the skin, particularly on the face), rash, depression, change in libido and intolerance to contact lenses.
Venous thrombosis and thrombotic stroke are rare but potentially life-threatening side effects of all hormonal forms of birth control, and women considering using NuvaRing should be familiar with risk factors for these events. Etonogestrel, the specific progestin used in NuvaRing is the active metabolite of desogestrel, which has been associated with a higher risk of thrombosis than other progestins used for birth control. Because hormones are released continuously from NuvaRing, peak and total doses of estrogens are lower than with combined oral contraceptives, although it is not known whether this lowers the risk of clots. Long-term data from large numbers of women will be needed to determine how the risk of thrombosis among women using NuvaRing compares to that of women using other forms of hormonal birth control.
[edit] Mechanisms of action
Like other combined methods of hormonal contraception, NuvaRing works primarily by preventing ovulation. Secondary mechanisms of action, both pre- and post-fertilization, have been theorized. Currently, scientific consensus on the existence of secondary mechanisms has not been reached. If used after implantation, hormonal birth control methods are not believed to have an effect on pregnancy.
[edit] Drug administration
Nuvaring delivers 0.120 mg of etonogestrel (a progestin) and 0.015 mg of ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) each day of use.
[edit] External Links
- Manufacturer's official site.
- Official FDA safety information on NuvaRing
- Flash demo on inserting and removing NuvaRing
| Birth control edit | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sterilization: | Tubal ligation, Vasectomy, Essure | |
| Post-intercourse: | Abortion: Surgical, Medical Emergency contraception |
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| Intra-uterine: | IUD, IUS (progestogen) | |
| Anti-estrogen: | Ormeloxifene (a.k.a. Centchroman) | |
| Hormonal: | Combined: COCP ('the Pill'), Patch, Nuvaring Progestogen only: POP mini-pill, Depo Provera, Norplant, Implanon |
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| Barrier: | Male condom, Female condom, Diaphragm, Shield, Cap, Sponge, Spermicide | |
| Behavioral: | Coitus interruptus, Rhythm Method, Lactational, Fertility awareness Avoiding vaginal intercourse: Anal sex, Oral sex, Outercourse, Masturbation, Abstinence |
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