NuvaRing for Birth Control

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Description of Articles in NuvaRing for Birth Control

NuvaRing is a hormonal birth control method that comes in the form of a flexible vaginal ring. This eMedTV page discusses how NuvaRing works, describes how to insert the ring, and explains what you should know before using this form of contraception.

NuvaRing is primarily used for preventing pregnancy. As this eMedTV resource explains, doctors may also sometimes recommend off-label NuvaRing uses, such as for treating painful menstrual periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, and irregular periods.

Most people tolerate NuvaRing well, but possible side effects include nausea, headache, and sinus infection. This eMedTV article also lists potentially serious NuvaRing side effects that should be reported to a doctor immediately.

There is only one standard way to dose NuvaRing, regardless of your age, weight, or medical conditions. This eMedTV segment offers more NuvaRing dosage information and explains when and how to safely and effectively use the vaginal ring.

Nafcillin, warfarin, and selegiline are some of the medicines that may interact negatively with NuvaRing. This eMedTV resource lists other medicines that may cause NuvaRing drug interactions and describes the potential effects.

Smoking cigarettes greatly increases the risk of serious NuvaRing side effects (such as blood clots). This eMedTV article lists other possible problems to look out for and offers NuvaRing warnings and precautions on who should not use the product.

As with most hormonal contraceptives, NuvaRing may cause weight gain. This page from the eMedTV site provides more information on NuvaRing and weight gain, and includes a list of suggestions for helping to control your weight.

Since NuvaRing is not an oral contraceptive, an overdose seems unlikely to occur. This part of the eMedTV library further explains why a NuvaRing overdose is not likely to occur and describes treatment options that are available for an overdose.

NuvaRing should not be used during pregnancy. As this eMedTV page explains, although animal studies on NuvaRing and pregnancy show that the drug did not cause problems, there is no good reason to use a contraceptive during pregnancy.

Generally, combined contraceptives (like NuvaRing) are not recommended for breastfeeding women. This eMedTV page offers more information on NuvaRing and breastfeeding, and describes the problems that may occur if you use NuvaRing while breastfeeding.

There is currently no generic version of NuvaRing licensed for sale. As this article from the eMedTV library explains, the earliest possible date that generic NuvaRing could be available is April 2018 (when the first patent for the product expires).