The Nuva Ring: My Experience
By Emily, age 21, Newfoundland
Sweet Designs Featured Writer
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, based on her personal experiences. Sweet Designs Magazine neither recommends nor advises against the use of this or any medication. We do not have the expertise to evaluate the efficacy, risks, or possible side effects of a medication. For risks and possible side effects, we refer you to an informational page on the manufacturer's site, and urge you to discuss your options with your doctor or gynecologist.
One of the newest forms of birth control on the market is the Nuva Ring. It's a small plastic ring that you insert into your vagina and sit on your cervix. It's very popular among young women like me who aren't very good at taking a pill every day at the same time. It's also the best method on the market because instead of having the hormones travel through your bloodstream, the Nuva Ring sits right at the place where the hormones are needed. A doctor also told me that you have the same amount of hormones throughout your cycle, unlike the pill.
In the 12th grade, because of my extremely heavy periods, my mom and I decided that it was time to put me on Depo Provera (the needle). This causes your periods to stop altogether, which was a godsend to me, as I'd been suffering from extremely heavy periods since I was 10 years old. I was on Depo for two years and the doctors told me it was time for a change. Apparently no long term studies had been done and the long term side effects of Depo Provera were unknown.
I started investigating different methods of birth control. I knew I couldn't take a pill every day at exactly the same time; it's just not who I am. Then my friends told me about the Nuva Ring and all the perks. You insert the ring for 3 weeks, and in the meantime you can forget about it. You never feel it and nobody else does either, if you know what I mean. Then after 3 weeks of having it in, you take it out for a week, have your period, and then put another one in. It seemed like the perfect solution to me.
I talked to my doctor about getting started on the Nuva Ring. I've been a very happy user for over a year. The best part is that I learned about a way to have only 4 periods a year!
So, if you're like me and don't remember to take pills, talk to your doctor about starting on the Nuva Ring. It could be the easiest birth control method ever!
