The NuvaRing is a vaginal contraceptive ring that prevents pregnancy by releasing a steady dose of the hormones estrogen and progestin. Women typically keep the NuvaRing in the vagina for three weeks and then remove it to allow menstruation to occur. Although many women enjoy the effectiveness and convenience of this contraceptive device, it can cause unpleasant side effects in some women.
Common Side Effects
Possible common side effects of the NuvaRing include vaginal infections or irritation, vaginal secretions, headaches, weight gain and nausea, according to the official website of NuvaRing. Other common side effects reported by women who take hormonal contraceptives like NuvaRing include nervousness, dizziness, tiredness, decreased sex drive, changes in menstruation, discharge, problems with contact lenses, changes in appetite, increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair, freckles or darkening of facial skin, breast pain or tenderness, vomiting, bloating and stomach cramps, according to Drugs.com. These side effects are generally not severe and may go away as the body adjusts to the hormones of the NuvaRing.
Serious Side Effects
Although serious side effects of NuvaRing are rare, they may occur. These serious side effects may include depression, a breast lump, swelling in the hands or feet, jaundice, dark urine, clay-colored stools, appetite loss, stomach pain, low fever, nausea, change in migraine headaches, chest pain, pain spreading to the shoulder or arm, sudden headaches, confusion, vision or speech problems, loss of coordination and a sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body. Women experiencing any of these symptoms while using NuvaRing should seek immediate medical attention.
Discontinuation
Discontinuation of NuvaRing due to side effects is not common. In clinical trials, only 1 to 2.5 percent of women quit using NuvaRing due to unpleasant side effects. The main side effects that lead to discontinuation were vaginal symptoms, mood swings, headache, weight gain and device-related events, according to the official website of NuvaRing.
Considerations
People with certain medical conditions may have an increased risk of experiencing side effects or medical complications when using NuvaRing. These include people who suffer from migraine headaches, severe constipation, a history of breast disease or abnormalities, irregular menstrual cycles, toxic shock syndrome, easy vaginal irriatation, seizures or epilepsy, diabetes, gallbladder disease, depression, kidney disease, high cholesterol or triglycerides, high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, angina or a prolapsed uterus, bladder or rectum. Individuals with these conditions should talk to a doctor before using NuvaRing.
Warning
Women who are pregnant and use NuvaRing may cause harmful side effects to their unborn baby. NuvaRing is an FDA category X medication, which means it can harm unborn babies when used during pregnancy. NuvaRing may also harm a nursing baby. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use NuvaRing.
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