NuvaRing

H1N1 has invaded schools, and is highly contagious. Unfortunately H1N1 can be damaging to pregnant women. Cynthia Olson, RN/Reproductive Health Clinician says, “If you become pregnant at this time, you will have a lot of decisions to make regarding all vaccinations. H1N1 has been shown to affect pregnant women differently because of the complications that can arise.” As we all know, birth control can prevent pregnancy and so this week I wanted to talk about a different method of birth control, the NuvaRing.

The NuvaRing, aka “the once a month birth control”, is insert into the vagina and protects against pregnancy for 21 days. Olson says, “NuvaRing is composed of etonogestrel, a progestin, and ethinyl estradiol, an estrogen, which is released when the NuvaRing contacts the vagina. The vaginal walls then absorbs the hormones and distributes them directly into the bloodstream.”
Olson explained that most of her clients prefer the ring because once it is inserted there is nothing else to do. It lasts for three weeks. Also the clients don’t have to worry about taking a pill every day or panic if they miss a pill. Just like the pill, women who are one the NuvaRing can have control over their monthly cycles or choice to continuous cycle. Olson clarified that continuous cycling can be obtained by placing the ring in for 28 days, remove it and place a new ring in the same day and then continue with this cycle for three times.





As with any birth control method there are misconceptions. The most heard rumor is that it can easily fall out. Olson says, “The NuvaRing can slip out but that does not happen often. The muscles in the vagina do keep the NuvaRing in place and if the ring does slip out, just wash it off with room temperature water and reinsert it. The ring can be out up to 3 hours before protection is decreased.” Another common misconception of the ring is that your partner can feel it or that it is uncomfortable for the women. However, research shows that most partners can’t feel it and women don’t feel the NuvaRing either because the nerve endings in the upper vaginal wall are not very sensitive compared to the nerve endings of the outer vagina.

So the NuvaRing is still another way, a once a month way, to prevent pregnancy.