Switching Depo to Nuvaring: Questions
Find a Conversation
| Wed, 05-17-2006 - 10:39am |
Hi,
I've been reading the boards here since I decided to leave Depo. After reading your experiences, reading the official literature, and talking to some friends, I finally chose the Nuvaring which I will be starting this week.
Unlike what several people have said, I've LOVED my experience on Depo. I had no periods, no spotting outside the first month, no side effects, etc. I did gain weight over time but I could not say that it was Depo's fault or just an ageing metabolism. If I lose weight after going off of it, well, I'll be thrilled of course. I am leaving Depo because of the bone density warnings (have been on it for 5-6 years altogether). I have recently developed a spinal disc problem which may or may not be related but it's enough to give me the push.
I understand well enough how the ring works and about how you can delay periods. But my question is whether you can in fact, use the rings back-to-back (for 4 weeks length)? Is this safe to do? And is it, more or less, the same idea as Depo and Seasonale: a continuous hormone release instead of an interrupted one? I read somewhere that Depo differs from estrogen based BCPs because it does not create any lining, making shedding (getting your period) unnecessary. But is it different with BCPs like Nuvaring?
Essentially what I am asking is:
1. Must I follow the 3week on, 1 week off cycle?
2. If not, can I use 3 months of continuous rings and then do a ringless period week (like seasonale)?
3. Could I (in theory) take the rings back to back without EVER having a period week?
I hope you can answer these questions. I am not sure I got a clear answer in what I've read so far. I'd like to figure this out now as I am getting started.
Thanks!
JS

I used the ring before getting pregnant (planned!)
Hi jsprout, welcome back!
Jill
The first time I tried it, I got about 6.5 weeks before I started spotting and then took the (2nd) ring out at 7 weeks, had my period and started over. The 2nd cycle worked just great and I went 8 weeks without any spotting. This last cycle I started spotting again at about 6.5 weeks. So I once again took the ring out early and am getting ready to put a new one back in (7 days later).
Even though I started spotting those two times.. my periods have gotten much lighter each time. This time only 1 day was really heavy enough for a tampon and the rest was spotting or a bit more.
Good luck with starting the nuvaring I hope you like it as much as many of us out here do!
Thanks all.
It's funny how nervous this makes me. I guess it's been said before but I feel such loyalties with my BCP. I've been with Depo longer than my boyfriend! You know what I mean? It's hard to let go!
That said, I started thr ring last night so we'll have to see how it goes. Since I live in Europe, the land of subsized medications, I am used to a very low cost. My depo shot cost me under 7 Euros per (3 month) injection (plus 15 Euros every 6 months for the consultation to have the prescription written). The rings are costing me 35 Euros (for 3) plus the consultation. I know I have no right to complain, it's still insanely affordable, but I was surprised by this. Just wanted to note that.
One benefit already is not having to go to the clinic each time to get the injection. That saves me a step in my routine! Also, I do hope to start a family in another 2 years or so, so I think getting off Depo now is probably a good step, considering all the stories I've heard about the time it takes to regularize afterwards. I hope this will give me a good headstart so that I'll be in good shape when the time comes!
I think I am going to see how I feel in the next few weeks and whether there is any spotting, etc, before I decide about extending my cycle or not. From what I've read about Depo, it may take awhile anyway. And well, the last time I had a period was 2002 so you can imagine I'm a little trepedatious!
I thank you all SO much for being so NICE and so quick with answers. It's really been great to have a resource like this. I've been in a few other iVillage forums for other things and it's been the same everywhere. What a wonderful environment and service this is!
JS
Lucky you! Mine costs 41 Euros for 3 rings. But, that is still much cheaper than a child!!
Good luck with your ring experiences!