A ring is inserted inside the vagina that is basically used to prevent pregnancy. The drugs ethinylestradiol and etonogestrel are contained in this, which are all female hormones. This device prevents the release of an egg from the ovaries and changes the cervical mucus in the uterine lining, which further makes it difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to it. The device is only available to one with a doctor’s prescription.

It is vital for you to tell your doctor about your medial history before you decide to opt for its use and tell them if you are unable to walk or on a bed rest before taking this medicine. Listed below are some of the side effects of this. Read below to find more:

11 Must Know Side Effects of Vaginal Rings

Blood Clots

Women who have other risk factors, such as obesity, smoking or those who are above the age of 35 have a higher risk of developing blood clots with combination hormonal birth control methods. The risk of developing this is highest when you first start using it or when you restart the same or different combination hormonal birth control method after a gap of month or so. It is important for you to consult your healthcare provider before using NuvaRing and deciding which kind of birth control is right for you.

High blood pressure

Women with high blood pressure that can not be controlled by medicines, diabetes with kidney, nerve, eye or blood vessel damage, severe migraine headaches, liver tumor or liver disease, breast cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or someone taking Hepatitis C drug combination, or if you are or may be pregnant are not recommended the use of NuvaRing.

Irritation

The irritation inside the vagina or on your cervix is the most common side effects of NuvaRing. Thus, vaginal infections and irritation, vaginal itching or discharge are some of the problems that may be faced by a lot of women using this product.

Cancer

As per Research, people who use the vaginal ring have a little higher risk of developing breast cancer in comparison to those who don’t use it. However, it apparently reduces with time after you stop using it. With long term use of oestrogen and progesterone hormonal contraception, there is an increased risk of developing cervical cancer as well.

Irregular periods

Within the first year after the implant has been fitted, you will notice irregularity in your periods. Your periods may also become lighter, heavier or longer. However, this will settle down after the first year on its own.

Headaches

A lot of women suffering from migraine are denied the therapy of combination hormonal birth control method because of the concern that a lot of these products may increase the risk of a stroke that accompanies aura. Though, the risk varies directly with aura frequency.

Skin discoloration

NuvaRing may cause skin darkening or discoloration. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid sunlamps, tanning beds and avoid any exposure to the sun in case you are using this medicine.

Vision changes

Many women have claimed that after the use of NuvaRing, they have observed significant changes in their vision. So, if you are one of them who wears contact lenses and has also observed vision changes, then it is mandatory for you to see an eye doctor.

Life threatening effects

It is advised that ones indulged in wrong habits should avoid using combined hormonal contraception methods. For instance, smoking- smoking while taking hormonal contraceptives has been seen to increase the chances of serious or life threatening side effects. This is especially among the women who smoke 15 or more cigarettes in a day. You should not use NuvaRing if you smoke.

Weight gain

Just like other hormonal contraceptives, NuvaRing can lead to weight gain. According to the studies, women who use hormonal contraceptives gained a slightly higher weight as compared to women who didn’t use it. However, they will be able to lose it after a short period of time.

Uncomfortable

At times, the ring may slip out, fall out and get lost. But, it will be a bit more comfortable if you place the ring as far back in the vagina as possible. You may rinse it with warm water in case it slips out and then put it back as soon as possible. If you don’t place it within three hours, you might have to use an additional birth control method until the time it has been in place for seven days.

Taking all the above stated side effects of NuvaRing into consideration, it is important for you to consult your doctor in case you notice any changes. If it has been a week since you removed the old ring and you forgot to replace it with a new one, there are chances that you may become pregnant. Get yourself tested and if you are not pregnant, remove the ring as soon as possible, wait for a week and insert a new ring.