Is the NuvaRing Safe?
I was recently asked this question: I am thinking about using the NuvaRing, which I have heard is safer than taking the pill (which I have heard can cause blood clots, strokes, and breast cancer.) I am 18 years old and want to avoid pregnancy or having to get an abortion if I forget to take the pill. I have talked with someone about this already, but I am still concerned. Can you tell me how safe the NuvaRing is? Let's talk about what the NuvaRing is and how it works. The NuvaRing is a thin transparent, flexible ring that you insert into the vagina. It is left in for three weeks, during which time it slowly releases estrogen and progestin hormones into the body. The ring is worn for three weeks, and is then removed for one week. Then a new ring must be inserted. If certain medications including antibiotics are taken, the effectiveness of the ring decreases. NuvaRing has three ways of working: 1. It can prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary.) 2. It can cause the...