Is it safe to be on NuvaRing for years?

There’s a good chance birth control rings will be totally safe for you — most people can use them with no problems. The hormones in the ring are the same ones in most birth control pills, and millions of people have used these hormones to safely prevent pregnancy for more than 50 years.

How long can you stay on NuvaRing?

How do I use NuvaRing? One NuvaRing has enough hormones in it to last for up to 5 weeks. You have a few different options for ring schedules, and you can choose to get a period or choose to skip it. All of these schedules work just as well to prevent pregnancy.

Is NuvaRing discontinued?

Etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (NuvaRing): NuvaRing was the first birth control ring, receiving FDA approval in 2001. It is also available in an authorized generic version. Note: Manufacturer Merck recently announced that NuvaRing applicators will be discontinued after August 1, 2020.

Does NuvaRing cause pulmonary embolisms?

All hormonal contraceptives slightly increase the risk of blood clots, but medical studies have shown that women who use NuvaRing have a much higher risk of blood clots, stroke, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and even death.

Does smoking affect NuvaRing?

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from combination hormonal contraceptive (CHC) use. This risk increases with age, particularly in women over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, CHCs, including NuvaRing, should not be used by women who are over 35 years of age and smoke.

Does NuvaRing cause cancer?

NuvaRing is also known to increase the risk of developing certain conditions. NuvaRing patients may be more likely to develop breast cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and gallbladder disease. Patients also reported NuvaRing side effects such as the development of noncancerous liver tumors.

Can NuvaRing cause increased appetite?

Changes in appetite are common in women who take birth control, and you may notice a five- to ten-pound increase when you start taking NuvaRing. You may also notice swelling of your breasts while you take this form of birth control.

Does NuvaRing cause birth defects?

NuvaRing can cause birth defects. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you miss two menstrual periods in a row. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before using NuvaRing. The hormones in NuvaRing can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.