NuvaRing is a type of contraceptive for women that is manually inserted into the vagina and left there for 3 weeks. It is about the size of a silver dollar, but more flexible. But like most birth control, NuvaRing also stirred up controversy since its release in the U.S. market in 2001, especially with regards to health and safety concerns. Most of the millions of women who have used it, however, are singing its praises. So perhaps it’s not all that bad.
List of Pros of Nuvaring
1. More convenient to use
For a woman who have a lot of things on her mind, remembering to take a contraceptive pill daily can be a challenge. When you use the NuvaRing, however, you can forget about it for the next 3 weeks, and not worry that you will get pregnant. It is practically a one-a-month birth control.
Using it is also easy, since it can be inserted and removed without a lot of effort. It may not be as simple as popping a pill, but definitely more user-friendly compared to other similar types of contraceptive.
2. It is effective
When used properly, the NuvaRing is 98% to 99% effective. That is, only 1 out of 100 women could get pregnant while using it. This shows how effective it is as a form of birth control. Most of the women who used it also check on its efficacy, before they started using it, and they were not disappointed.
3. Promotes regular menstruation
Some women on NuvaRing experience shorter, lighter periods that occur on a more regular schedule. This may have something to do with the slowly released hormones in the contraceptive tool. With a regular period, women would also find it easier to conceive, should they decide to have a baby. What is even better is that NuvaRing helps to decrease the number of premenstrual symptoms that women experience.
List of Cons of NuvaRing
1. Has negative side effects
Side effects of NuvaRing run from annoying to serious, which is why women who wish to use it should consult with their doctor. Some of the mild and tolerable side effects are mood swings, nausea, vomiting, mild hair loss, back pain, chronic fatigue, migraine and weight gain.
Some of the more serious side effects include stroke, heart attack, blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, severe allergic reaction and gallbladder disease.
Considering such health risks, the use of NuvaRing should be supported by professional medical advice.
2. Does not prevent sexually transmitted disease
Like a majority of contraceptives, NuvaRing does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. During intercourse, the use of condom is still highly recommended.
3. Is not applicable for everyone
NuvaRing is not for everyone. It can’t be used by women with breast cancer who are pregnant or suspect that they are pregnant, and have a history of heart attack, stroke or blood clots. Women who are over 35 years old and smoke cigarettes should not use the NuvaRing as well. This is because smoking increases the risk of heart-related problems that can be fatal.
Do you wish to try NuvaRing? Now that you know the pros and cons, you should be able to decide what is best for you.
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Master's Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.