NuvaRing, manufactured by the Schering-Plough Corporation, is a hormonal form of birth control. The flexible ring is inserted into the vagina and releases hormones to prevent pregnancy. The active ingredients in the NuvaRing, also called a vaginal ring, are estrogen and progesterone. One advantage of the NuvaRing is that once it is inserted, women do not need to think about their birth control method for three weeks, until it is time to remove the old ring and insert a new one. As with other forms of hormonal birth control, NuvaRing may produce some side effects in some women.
Vaginal Irritation
Vaginal irritation and an increase in vaginal secretions are two common side effects associated with NuvaRing, according to its makers. Women who use this type of birth control may also find that they develop yeast infections more often than they did before using the vaginal birth control ring.
Bleeding
Irregular periods or spotting between periods is a side effect that may occur while using the NuvaRing. Planned Parenthood reports that prolonged use of the birth control method may cause a woman to miss periods after she has stopped using the ring, even if she is not pregnant. Spotting may taper off after the body has adjusted to the hormonal dose that is delivered by the ring.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
The vaginal ring may produce several different gastrointestinal complaints in some women. Nausea, indigestion, vomiting and bloating may occur. Weight gain is a common side effect of NuvaRing and other hormonal birth control methods, such as oral contraceptives. Drugs.com, an online information resource for both brand name and generic medications, reports that up to 14 percent of women using NuvaRing experience nausea at some point.
Neurological Changes
The Schering-Plough Corporation explains that users of NuvaRing could experience neurological side effects during the course of use. Depression, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and nervousness are all possible side effects of the contraceptive. Women who experience severe depression while using the NuvaRing should report their experiences to their doctor.
Discomfort
Pain and discomfort may accompany the protection that is offered by the NuvaRing. Headache is a common side effect, as is breast tenderness. The hormones contained in the ring may lead to stomach cramps in some women.
Skin and Hair Changes
Hair loss and skin discoloration are among the possible side effects of the estradiol vaginal ring. Women may develop a darkening of the skin, called melasma, that is often experienced during pregnancy. A skin rash may also occur.
Serious Side Effects
Women who are smokers, have diabetes or other chronic illnesses or are overweight may be at risk for serious but rare side effects associated with the NuvaRing, including heart attack and stroke. Women who are older than 35 and fall into these high-risk groups should discuss the benefits versus the risks of using hormonal birth control.
