NuvaRing, or the vaginal ring, is a form of birth control that a woman inserts into her vagina for three weeks, then removes during the week of menstruation. NuvaRing contains synthetic estrogen and progestin, ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel, which prevent pregnancy by interfering with the ovaries' release of eggs. Planned Parenthood notes that when women use NuvaRing correctly, they have less than a 1 percent chance of becoming pregnant. Some women may experience health problems when using NuvaRing, although the University of Illinois explains that the risks are low.
Blood Clot Formation
The University of Illinois points out that the estrogen in NuvaRing may be related to blood clot formation in some women. In these women blood clots form in regions of their bodies that put them at risk for severe health problems. Women at high risk for this abnormal blood clot formation include those with diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, migraines and high blood pressure. The blood clots can form in the brain, legs, lungs or heart, which can lead to heart attack or stroke, conditions in which the affected organ does not get the oxygen that it needs, which can lead to cell death.
Vaginal Problems
Some women who use NuvaRing may have vaginal problems. For example, they may have changes in their menstruation, such as breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods. NuvaRing may cause vaginal secretions. The Mayo Clinic points out that vaginal secretions are indicative of a problem if they are foul smelling. Some women may develop a vaginal infection or have vaginal irritation. NuvaRing may result in a decreased sex drive.
ACHES
The University of Illinois notes that some NuvaRing users may have serious warning signs, abbreviated as ACHES, that require immediate medical attention. Each letter in the acronym stands for a symptom of a serious health problem: abdominal pain, A, which is severe; chest pain, C, which can occur along with coughing up blood and shortness of breath; headache, H, which can be severe, or numbness or weakness in the limbs; eye problems, E, which include blurred vision, seeing flashing lights or a loss of vision; and severe leg pain, S, which can occur in either the calf or the thigh.
Other Health Risks
The Mayo Clinic points out that some of the health risks of NuvaRing range from temporary, such as nausea and weight gain, to more problematic, like mood swings and upper respiratory tract infection. NuvaRing may result in other severe health problems, although Planned Parenthood explains that these conditions are rare. For example, women may develop jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, which results from a buildup of a bile chemical, bilirubin, in the body. Other women may develop gallstones, which are made up of hardened digestive fluid. Other rare but serious health risks of NuvaRing include high blood pressure and liver tumors.
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