Diagonised with PCOS

Guide to Contraception: Nuvaring



This is a flexible, transparent, plastic ring that is inserted by the woman herself into her vagina for three weeks of every month.

How does it work?
It is the equivalent of a very low dose pill which is absorbed directly into the blood stream through the vaginal wall. There is only one ring available at this time it is called NuvaRing.

How is it used?

• NuvaRing is a small, clear, flexible plastic ring that also serves as a low dose hormonal contraceptive when placed into a woman's vagina.
• The ring is fitted and removed by the woman herself, not by a doctor or nurse.
• Compressing the ring between the thumb and forefinger and placing into a comfortable position in the vagina will insert it. The exact position of the NuvaRing is not important for its contraceptive effect. One size fits all and it will not fall out.
• After insertion it should stay in place for three weeks after which time it is removed for seven days, during which the woman should have her period.
• After seven days a new ring is inserted into the vagina for another three weeks and so on.

How reliable is it?
It has the same failure rate as the combined pill taken orally. That is with careful use less than one woman in one hundred will get pregnant in a year.
Pregnancy can happen if an error is made in using the NuvaRing – especially if

• the unopened package is exposed to very high temperatures or direct sunlight.
• it slips out of the vagina and is not replaced within three hours.
• it does not stay in the vagina for three weeks in a row.
• it is left in the vagina for more than three weeks.

Always remember to check the expiration date of each ring package before insertion.

What are the advantages?

• Suitable for women who forget to take the pill regularly as requires no daily administration.
• Does not have to be fitted by nurse or doctor and can easily be inserted and removed by the woman herself.
• Suitable for women who have difficulty swallowing pills.
• Suitable for women who suffer from vomiting or diarrhoea.
• Neutral effect on weight gain.
• Does not interrupt sex.

What are the disadvantages?

• May not be suitable for women who for medical reasons cannot take the pill.
• Woman using it must be comfortable about inserting a ring into her vagina.
• May sometimes be felt by her partner during sex.
• May cause increased vaginal discharge.
• Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
• Is more expensive then taking the combined pill orally.

Accidental removal?
Should a ring accidentally be removed from the vagina it should be washed in warm water and reinserted. If out of the vagina for more than 3 hours it should be reinserted and a barrier method of contraception used for 7 days.

Are there any side-effects?
You may get some temporary side-effects when you first start using the ring, these should stop within a few months. These side-effects include:
- Headaches.
- Nausea.
- Breast tenderness.
- Bleeding between periods.
- Mood changes.
- Weight gain or loss.
Side-effects are similar to those seen with combined oral contraceptive pill.

Antibiotics?
If on antibiotics the woman needs to use a barrier method of contraception while on the antibiotics and for an additional 7 days.

Where do you get the vaginal ring?
You need a prescription from your family doctor or family planning centre. It isavailable on the GMS (Medical Card Scheme).

 

superb work

Hi prathi,

Contraception article in such detail very good work prathi!!! Will help to all who wants to know about contraceptive n feel awkward to ask anyone..

Keep it up

 

Thanks sonu

Hi sonu,

i Came across this article and thought it would be really useful to many of our members.

Thanks for the nice words.

 

Contraceptive Patch



It is a thin, beige patch about the size of a matchbox containing two hormones - oestrogen and progestogen.

There is only one type of contraceptive patch available at this time. It is called Evra.

How does it work?
It is the equivalent of a very low dose pill released into the bloodstream through the skin. Its action is the same as the combined oral contraceptive pill; it stops the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation).

How effective is it?
When used correctly and according to the instructions it is as reliable as the oral contraceptive pill, that is over 99 per cent effective.

How is it used?

• A new patch is applied every week for three weeks. The first patch is applied on the first day of the menstrual cycle (Day 1); no additional contraception is needed if you start on the first day of bleeding.
• After 7 days the patch is removed and a new one applied immediately. This is known as Change Day, these will be days 8 and 15 of the cycle. The patch can be changed at any time of the day. Used patches need to be disposed of carefully, by placing in the pouch provided and putting them in the waste bin. Used patches should not be flushed down the toilet.
• After three weeks you have a patchfree week, during this week off you get a withdrawal bleed (period).
• A new cycle starts again after 7 patch-free days. It is important not to extend the patch-free week, so as not to lose contraceptive cover.

Where do I put it?
The patch can be worn on most areas of the body as long as they are clean, dry and not hairy. It is commonly worn on the arm, buttock or lower abdomen.

The patch should not be put on the breasts, on any skin that is sore or irritated or in any place that can be rubbed by tight clothing. It is recommended that changing the position of each new patch will help to lessen skin irritation.

What if the patch falls off?
The patch is very sticky and should stay on during bathing, swimming, saunas or exercise. If it does slip or come off completely, it should be reapplied as soon as possible if still sticky, or a new patch needs to be used.

If the patch has been off for less than 24 hours no additional contraception is required. If it has been off longer than 24 hours then another method of contraception is needed for the next 7 days and emergency contraception should be considered if appropriate.

Who cannot use it?
Women who are unable to use the combined oral contraceptive pill. Research has shown that the effectiveness of the patch is reduced in women who weigh over 90kg (14 stone), so for these women the patch may not be a first choice method of contraception.

What are the advantages?
You don't have to remember to take it every day; you only have to remember to replace the patch once each week.

It is very effective when used correctly.

It is easy to use.

It does not interfere with sex.

As the hormones do not need to be absorbed by the stomach, they are not affected by vomiting or diarrhoea.

What are the disadvantages?
It may be visible.

For a small number of women it may cause skin irritation.

It can be affected by some prescription drugs and complementary drugs such as St John's Wort.

It doesn't protect you against sexually transmitted infections.

Are there any side-effects?
You may get some temporary side-effects when you first start using the patch, these should stop within a few months. These side-effects include:
- Headaches.
- Nausea.
- Breast tenderness.
- Bleeding between periods.
- Mood changes.
- Weight gain or loss.
Side-effects are similar to those seen with combined oral contraceptive pill.

Antibiotics?
If on antibiotics the woman needs to use a barrier method of contraception while on the antibiotics and for an additional 7 days.

Where do you get the contraceptive patch?
You need a prescription from your family doctor or family planning centre. It is available on the GMS (Medical Card Scheme).

 

The Implant

An implant is a small flexible tube which is placed just under your skin. It releases a progestogen hormone over three years.

How reliable is it?
It is an extremely effective method of contraception. During all its initial trials there were no pregnancies reported.

Some prescribed medicines may make an implant less effective so always inform your doctor if you are using an implant if you are being prescribed any medicines.

How it works
It is a small flexible plastic rod inserted just under the skin (but not seen) of the inner part of the upper arm. After insertion it can be felt under the skin. It slowly releases the hormone progestogen into the body which stops ovulation. It also thickens the mucus at the neck of the womb making it difficult for sperm to enter. An implant works for three years.

Then a doctor will remove it after giving you a local anaesthetic injection. If you want to carry on using an implant, the doctor can put a new one in at the same time.

There is only one implant available in Ireland at this time. It is called IMPLANON.

How is an implant put in?
An implant must be put in by a doctor who has been trained to fit implants. You will get a local anaesthetic to numb the part of your arm where the implant will go, so it doesn’t hurt to have it put in. It is similar to having an injection.

The area may be tender for a day or two and may be bruised or slightly swollen.

What if you change your mind?
You don’t have to keep an implant in for three years. If you decide you want to stop using it, see your doctor and ask to have it removed. You will stop being protected against getting pregnant immediately after the implant is removed. Talk to your doctor or nurse about contraception before you have the implant taken out.

An implant is designed to be used for three years and is not a short-term method of contraception. If you are not sure you want contraceptive protection for this long, other methods of contraception may be more suitable for you.

How often should you see a doctor or nurse?
You may have a check-up three to six months after the implant is put in. You will then have a check up every year after this. If you have any problems between regular check-ups you should contact your doctor or nurse.

What are the advantages?
- Does not interrupt sex.
- Insertion not painful.
- It works within one week of being fitted.
- No pills or injections to remember.
- Lasts for three years.
- After removal fertility returns very quickly.
- Stops painful periods.
- You can breast feed if you have an implant.

What are the disadvantages?
Needs to be inserted and removed by a specially trained doctor.

Your periods will probably change. In the first year of use, most women have irregular bleeding. After the first year most women will have regular periods but some will still have irregular bleeding. Some women will have heavy and prolonged bleeding. A few will not bleed at all. These changes are not harmful.

Other possible side-effects include headaches, acne, putting on weight, tender breasts and bloating.

Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so you may need to use a condom as well.

Removal may leave a small scar.

Although research has not shown that implants cause depression or mood changes, some women may experience these symptoms.

Can anyone have an implant?
Not everyone can have an implant and your doctor or nurse will need to ask you about your own and your family’s medical history. Some conditions which may mean you should not have an implant are:

• You think you might already be pregnant.
• You do not want your periods to change.
• A number of past or present medical conditions may also mean that an implant would not be your first choice of contraceptive.

 

Emergency Contraception



If you have had sex and did not use contraception, or if you think your contraception did not work you can use emergency contraception. If you act quickly, emergency contraception will usually prevent pregnancy.

Where can you get emergency contraception?
Emergency contraception is only available by prescription so you must go to your doctor or family planning centre. Emergency contraception is available on the medical card scheme. All the advice and treatment you receive is confidential – wherever your receive it.

 

try homeo

Dear Kalpana
There are several homeo donics available for regulating periods. Lawsone is one of the best tonic. Do not give her any hormone tablets. 10 yrs too small age for any treatment. Also give her pappaya fruit and dates. They are rich in iron. Or go to the nearest homeo doctor. They can cure her. I had the same problem. It was cured by homeopathy only.
Regrds
uma

 

Contraception method for irregular periods

Hi Prathi,

I quickly browsed through your article about contraception. I am sure this is a useful information especially for ladies in this group recently married and not planning for a kid for sometime.

I just have one query...I am not sure if it is already addressed in this article.

What is the best effective contraception method for someone with irregular periods?

Do let me know if you have any information regarding this. Thank you.

 

Hi Malar,

As far as i know, contraceptions like pills, combined pills and condoms work the same for women with irregular periods. Before starting on most of the methods mentioned in the guide, a woman has to consult her doctor.

So, i think its better for a woman with irregular period to consult a doctor before deeciding on the method. If anybody on the forum has any more information regarding this, do share with us

 

vazha poo is the best...

i second vazha poo..but not in any form other than juice made out of the flower along with the skin it has to be chopped and given on a emptry stomach..and it is better to avoid all spicy food....until she is better..no pizza burger fried chips and any cakes and bakes as all contain refined products..sugar is also a nono if u can substitute with palm candy fine or honey...try to maintain a lot of koottu kind of stuff..boiled vegetable is good u need to keep her cool by giving more of buttermilk rather than other boost bournvita all this should be cut off for sometime along with bars of chocolate..all these go and jam the system....give her herbal juices more like manathakkali juice blend the leaves and give her in emptry stomach...use more of tender coconut for sometime to cool off her system...now the season for melons red ones give her that dont add any spice sugar to it..the more natural u take her she will be fine....all the refined food mentioned make the system sluggish and no tension funny this world even a small child has tension...it would be nice to change her food to salads freshly cut...i know it is a drastic change but u must to tackle her future in this also....give her a lot of pottukadali in the morning to munch and eat...pl do contact if u want more help ..wish u all the best....do not leave her alone in the house this also creates tension.....regards..sundari kannan