Side Effects Of The Nuvaring

NuvaRing is a flexible ring inserted into the vagina in order to prevent pregnancy. This ring requires a prescription, and contains hormones that may cause side effects in some women. Although any side effect that is persistent or bothersome should be reported to a doctor, most common side effects are mild and will go away on their own as the body gets used to the medication, according to Drugs.com.

Vaginal Symptoms

Since the NuvaRing is inserted into the vagina, the device itself can cause vaginal side effects. Vaginal irritation and infections are common, as are increases in vaginal secretions. The NuvaRing product information guide states that these symptoms occurred in 5 to 14 percent of women tested in their clinical trial, and this was one of the factors that lead to 1 to 2.5 percent of women discontinuing use of the NuvaRing.

Headache

The changes in hormone levels that occur when using NuvaRing can affect the chemicals in the brain that trigger headaches, which leads to an increased number of headaches in some women. This symptom was also one that lead to 1 to 2.5 percent of women in NuvaRing's clinical trial discontinuing using the NuvaRing, states the product information sheet, but occurred in between 5 to 14 percent of the women studied.

Weight Gain

The estrogen in the NuvaRing can cause weight gain, which is another common side effect. Although the amount of weight will vary depending upon the individual and some women will not gain any weight at all, this was another reason listed on the NuvaRing's website given for why 1 to 2.5 percent of women in clinical studies decided to stop using NuvaRing. This side effect occurred in 5 to 14 percent of women studied.

Nausea

The changes in hormone levels can cause nausea in some women while taking NuvaRing. This side effect should dissipate as the body gets used to the medication. Although the NuvaRing product information guide lists this as one of the most common side effects, occurring in between 5 and 14 percent of women studied, it was not one of the side effects that lead to discontinuation of use.