The birth control ring is a small, flexible ring that a woman inserts into her vagina once a month to prevent pregnancy. The ring is sold under the name NuvaRing and, like birth control pills, contains the hormones estrogen and progestin. Although most women experience few, if any, side effects while using the birth control ring, others experience essentially the same side effects caused by other combination hormonal methods.
Function
The birth control ring works by releasing small amounts of hormones that are absorbed by the vaginal walls. These hormones prevent ovulation by fooling the body into thinking it is pregnant. The ring offers two advantages over traditional birth control methods -- a lower overall dose of hormones, and once-monthly dosing. Because the dose of hormones is lower than that used in traditional combination contraceptives, side effects are less common with this method. However, since the ring must be kept in the vagina for three of every four weeks, side effects sometimes occur as a result of the ring's placement.
Effects
The most common side effects associated with the birth control ring are increased vaginal discharge, breast tenderness, nausea and vomiting, and bleeding or "spotting" between periods. These side effects usually disappear after two to three months of use. Other side effects that occur in people who are using the ring for birth control include weight gain, depression, decreased sex drive, vaginal irritation and vaginal infections.
Benefits
Combination hormonal birth control methods, including the birth control ring, can cause side effects that are beneficial to the woman who uses them. These include reducing the chance of non-cancerous breast growths, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease and iron deficiency anemia. Combination hormonal birth control can also improve acne, reduce pre-menstrual symptoms and relieve vaginal dryness caused by perimenopause.
Significance
Although the vast majority of women who use the birth control ring do not experience serious side effects, it is important to be aware of the increased risk of certain conditions caused by using any combination hormonal method of birth control. Heart attack, stroke, and dangerous blood clots occur more commonly in women who use birth control methods that contain estrogen. Rarely, using hormonal birth control can lead to high blood pressure, gallstones and liver problems. Symptoms of a problem caused by the birth control ring include severe headaches, chest or arm pain, weakness, fainting, painful swelling in the leg, jaundice and difficulty moving one side of the body. Call your physician if you experience any of these symptoms.
Considerations
The birth control ring is similar in function to birth control pills and should not be taken by anyone who cannot take the pill. The risk of serious side effects is much higher in women who are over 35 years old, are very overweight, smoke, have diabetes, have high blood pressure or cholesterol or require prolonged bed rest. Hormones affect women's bodies differently. Some women find that they have fewer side effects when using birth control methods that have higher or lower levels of estrogen or progestin than the ring.
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