Nuvaring or Alesse??

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-28-2004
Nuvaring or Alesse??
12
Thu, 10-28-2004 - 12:55pm
In a few days, I'm going to switch my BC method. I'm going off Desogen because after a year of it...I still have horrible mood swings. There are a couple other things that I'd like to remedy as well...yeast issues and my breasts getting a whole cup bigger (which I didn't want!). Obviously, the most important aspect is the emotional swing though.

My doctor gave me a Rx for either Nuvaring, or Alesse. I've heard that Nuvaring has the lowest "hormone level", and Alesse is a pill that's pretty low too...20 I think? (Desogen was 30) So, I'm trying to decide which one to try. I know BC is a lot of trial and error, but any suggustions would be great. :)

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-14-2004
Thu, 10-28-2004 - 2:25pm
Well, it`s a lot of personal preference. Do you want to continue taking your pill every day, or only have to deal with the ring twice a month - once to take it out, and once to put it in? It`s possible that your partner could feel Nuvaring during sex but most guys don`t seem to mind, and you can always take it out for up to three hours at a time and still be protected.

They`re both reliable methods. It just boils down to what you feel would be best for you. Of course, you could always have negative side effects from either of them, so there`s still an element of trial and error. The low dose of hormones does seem to cut down on neg. side effects in some women, though.

Let us know what you decide and how you like it!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-07-2004
Thu, 10-28-2004 - 2:28pm
If yeast issues are a concern, then NuvaRing might not be your best bet. From what I understand, yeast infections are common on the ring. Good luck with whatever you end up with!

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-28-2004
Thu, 10-28-2004 - 4:51pm
Hmmmmm, thanks for your input. It was my understanding that overgrowth of yeast can happen when the hormones are fluctuating as much as they are on the pill. I wonder if it's somehow worse with Nuvaring because a forein article is actually in the vagina? (Although tampons don't seem to aggravate yeast)But that super low hormone dose is extremely tempting with the ring! :)

Have any "ring users" experienced any discomfort while excercising? Does it shift down? (Maybe I'll have to ask this question in a new topic...)

Thanks again!

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-14-2004
Thu, 10-28-2004 - 5:46pm
According to the ring users on here, it stays put during exercise and pretty much all of the time. As far as I know, no one on the board has had trouble with it shifting during exercise because your vaginal walls are still there and...er..."tight" so to speak to hold it in

Hope this helps!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Thu, 10-28-2004 - 6:53pm
Hi keylime_pie

CL_Judie_Rae uses NuvaRing and says it makes her secretions heavier and a bit yeasty, but not to the point of a YI. A lot of ring users say it makes their discharge greater. Some women have trouble with it slipping down but from the number of posts there don't seem to be too many. Any movement doesn't seem to be exercise related either. If you try it let us know how you like NuvaRing, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Thu, 10-28-2004 - 8:10pm
Women have different experiences with NuvaRing, just as they do with other types of birth control. I've been using it for two months, and haven't had any increase of discharge or yeastiness. It doesn't move when I exercise, and it actually makes sex feel better for me. I think it's great!

Alta

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-03-2003
Thu, 10-28-2004 - 10:29pm
I'm going to have to agree with Alta's response. I'm using the NuvaRing for the first time this month and have had it in for 2 weeks now. I was just as nervous as you were, about how it would just "stay" in there, but it has, even during sex. Both my partner and I feel that it actually enhanced the pleasure! It does give a you a slight bit "wet" feeling, but nothing irregular. The first week or so using it, I was very aware it was in me, even though I didn't feel it, but now I don't seem to notice as much. You should visit the NuvaRing website, it's very handy and even has cool play along videos! Good Luck! -Bunny
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2004
Fri, 10-29-2004 - 11:13am
I've been using the Nuva Ring for about a year now and I love it! I haven't had any problems with yeast or extra discharge. I actually stopped having a period after a while which is really nice! There's no worry about being pregnant because you can't use this wrong really. My doc says no period is not unhealthy and is o.kay. I don't know about the better sex thing it didn't affect me that way. Mine doesn't move at all and my fiance does not even realize it's there. I'd give it a try. Let us know what you decide. Good luck!! :)
Avatar for ilovemyfeet
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2003
Fri, 10-29-2004 - 11:23am
IM about to switch to the nuva ring next week when i finish off my last week of wering the patch im so excited to try this i hope it works as good for me as it does for all you ladies i will welcome the extra wetness for sex(the other bc cause alot of dryness and for it to be painfull) I just hope i dont have problems with yeas infections i guess if i start to feel like im having a problem ill eat yougart every day iv never had a yeast infection before and i hope i dont start getting them. Cross your fingers for me that this is the bc for me im tired of looking and dealing with the side effects. I just wish this week would hurry up so af will come and i can start my new ring. im almost tempted to rip the dumb patch off and start the ring now and just deal with the wered bleading or what ever happens. but i know i should wate. hope you pick something that works good for you.

julie
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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-28-2004
Fri, 10-29-2004 - 1:06pm
Thanks for all of your responses! It's a big help. I think I'm going to try Nuvaring starting Monday...I'm excited to try something new...my last pill was driving me crazy! (All too literaly...:()

I'm sure I'll have more questions on Monday...hehehe...I like to overanalyze things. :) ilovemyfeet - I hope it works out for you too! Here we go. ;)

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