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The vaginal contraceptive ring is called Nuva
Ring. The Nuva Ring is a flexible ring that is inserted into the
vagina in order to prevent pregnancy. The ring releases a steady
amount of estrogen and progesterone throughout the cycle that
suppresses ovulation.
The Nuva Ring is pinched between the index
finger and thumb and inserted into the vagina far enough that
you cannot feel it. The position of the ring is NOT important
to its effectiveness. There is no chance that you will push the
ring too far or it will get lost in the vagina. Your cervix will
stop the ring from going any further than it should.
The Nuva Ring stays in the vagina for 3 weeks
in a row, and then is removed for 1 week for your period to start.
After 1 week, a new ring is inserted, regardless of whether you
still have menstrual bleeding.
When used correctly, the Nuva Ring is 98-99%
effective.
According to the most recent surveys, about
80% of partners did not feel the Nuva Ring during intercourse.
The side effects of the Nuva Ring are similar
to those of the pill and patch including: nausea, headache, breast
tenderness, and irregular bleeding. These symptoms will usually
resolve in the first 1-3 months of use.
Rare problems include blood clots, heart attack,
and stroke. You should contact your doctor immediately if you
experience any of the following symptoms:
- sudden abdominal pain
- unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath
- severe headache
- blurred vision
- severe leg pain (calf or thigh area)
- weakness in one side of the body
In most cases, women do not have trouble with the ring slipping
out. However, it is possible that the ring could come out
of the vagina especially while straining with a bowel movement
or with severe constipation.
If the ring comes out and you are aware of it within 3 hours,
you should still have complete contraceptive coverage. Rinse
the ring with cool water and re-insert as soon as possible.
If it has been longer than 3 hours or if you are unsure of
how long the ring has been out, you must use an alternate
form of birth control for 7 days.
If the ring is lost, you must insert a new ring on the same
schedule as you would have used the lost ring.
If the ring is left in the vagina for an extra week or less,
remove the ring, wait 1 week, then re-insert a new ring.
If the ring is left for more than 1 extra week (a total of
5 weeks), you should perform a home pregnancy test. If the
pregnancy test is negative, re-insert a new ring and use an
alternate method of birth control for 7 days.
The Nuva ring should be removed 3 weeks after insertion, on
the same day of the week that it was initially inserted. The
ring is easily removed by hooking the index finger around
the rim of the ring and pulling it out.
Your period will usually begin 2-3 days after removal of the
ring.
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