Nuva ring or patch?

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-21-2004
Nuva ring or patch?
4
Tue, 09-21-2004 - 11:07pm
After trying Seasonale, Yasmin and Zovia and having breakthrough bleeding with all of them, my gyn suggested I try either the Nuva Ring or Ortho Evra Patch so the level of hormones stays consistent. I have two children and have been on and off the pill for the last 15 years and I am nervous about trying something new. Mostly I am nervous about getting pregnant accidentally. Is it possible for the ring to come out and I won't know it? Can the patch not be attached tightly enough and not work? I'm also nervous about the lack of long term studies on each of these methods. Any insight into what would be a better choice appreciated. Also, does antibiotic use affect either of them? Can you use a tampon or yeast infection cream with the ring?

Thanks for your help.

iflora1
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-05-2004
Wed, 09-22-2004 - 8:53am
My experience with the patch has been ok! I started last month, and worried about it staying on. Let me tell you, that thing pulls out hair when you do remove it. The edge or corner may flap up a little, but it's still working. I had a heavier period than I do with BCP, so I know it worked! Just my two cents...
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-29-2004
Wed, 09-22-2004 - 3:03pm
I just went to my doctor today and he's switching me from the pill to the ring. He said that antibiotics do not affect the ring and that you can use tampons and yeast infection medicine while it's in. He seemed to be really impressed with it. Hope this helps!
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 09-22-2004 - 9:01pm
Hi emmabee95, welcome!

You might want to get a second opinion about whether antibiotics can decrease the effectiveness of the hormones in NuvaRing. The Drug advisor: http://www2.eckerd.com/content.asp?content=pharmacy%2Fdrugadvisor&cookie%5Ftest=1 says that some ABs might decrease the ring’s effectiveness. If I were you I'd ask your pharmacist and see what s/he says. Thanks for posting. Let us know what your pharmacist says, ok?

Take care,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-29-2004
Thu, 09-23-2004 - 11:13am
Thanks for your response, Jill- that's pretty interesting! My doctor seemed to think that antibotics not affecting the ring was one of the big plusses. I will definitely look into that further!