A new type of contraceptive, called the NuvaRing, has recently been approved for women. It’s a soft, flexible transparent ring that’s about two inches in diameter and one-eighth of an inch thick. It delivers low doses of two female hormones, estrogen and progestin. It helps prevent pregnancy by suppressing ovulation and thickening the cervical mucus, which helps keep sperm from reaching the egg.
Using NuvaRing is simple. The ring is pressed together between two fingers and inserted into the vagina. It is left there for three weeks, and then removed for one week during which you have your period. After the week is up, you insert a new ring, and you’re protected for another full month.
When used correctly, the NuvaRing appears to be very effective. It has a 1 to 2 percent failure rate, almost as low as the birth control pill. Common side effects may include: vaginal discharge, infections and irritation, headaches, weight gain and nausea.
Ortho Evra is another new method of birth control, as effective as the pill. It is a small (one and three-quarter inch wide), square, thin, flexible patch that women apply to their skin, like a Band Aid. It can be worn on the buttocks, abdomen, and front or back of the upper torso, or the upper outer arm. The patch is smooth so it can be worn under clothing without being noticed. The estrogen and progestin in the patch prevent pregnancy the same way as the NuvaRing.
Ortho Evra is a once-a-week contraceptive. At the end of one week the old patch is discarded and a new patch is applied. The time of day or where the new patch is placed does not matter. As long as the patch is changed on the same day every week and is positioned in one of the acceptable locations, it will work effectively. After wearing three patches (equivalent to three weeks), no patch is worn for one week. This patch-free week will trigger menstruation. Common side effects may include: headaches, skin reaction where the patch is placed, nausea, menstrual cramps, abdominal pain and breast symptoms.
NuvaRing and Ortho Evra are available by prescription only and are not recommended for women with certain conditions. It is very important to note that although NuvaRing and Ortho Evra are effective in preventing pregnancy, they offer no protection against STDs or HIV. A condom should be used along with these contraceptives to help prevent transmission of infections.
Sources:
www.goaskalice.columbia.edu
www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo
www.nuvaring.com
www.orthoevra.com
Sheera LaBelle can be contacted at [email protected]