Nuva Ring is the brand name of one of the newest developments in hormonal contraceptives. It is a small, transparent, flexible ring that is inserted into the vagina, near the cervix and it prevents pregnancy by releasing a steady low dose of hormones and thickening the cervical mucus.

A new vaginal ring needs to be inserted after every four weeks but is left in place for three consecutive weeks only before it is removed for one week. During the intervening week, menstruation occurs and a single ring prevents pregnancy for a full month. A first time wearer should insert the ring during the first 5 days of the menstrual cycle ("Nuva Ring").

The main advantage of the Nova Ring is its convenience in use as it only requires to be inserted once every month unlike, for example, the birth control pill that has to be taken daily. Other advantages of the Ring are that it is discreet, allows for spontaneity in sexual intercourse, and in most cases causes menstrual periods to be lighter and shorter with fewer cramps. It is also at least as effective as the pill with 99% effectiveness a frequently quoted figure. Its disadvantages are similar to those of contraceptive pills and include yeast infection, vaginal discharge or irritation, upper respiratory tract infection, sinus infection, weight gain, and nausea. It also does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases (Ibid.).

The Nova Ring is available from medical stores on prescription by a physician and costs about $25~35 per ring (Silverberg). Women with a history of cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, headaches or epilepsy, depression, gallbladder or kidney disease, recent major surgery, sensitive vagina, dropped uterus or bladder, rectal prolapse, or those who are breastfeeding may not be able to use the Nova Ring ("Vaginal Contraceptive Ring").

Works Cited

Nuva Ring -- a Combination Hormonal Contraceptive Ring" the University of Texas at Austin. 2006. April 29, 2008. http://healthyhorns.utexas.edu/education/nuvaring.html

Silverberg, Cory. "Nuva Ring Contraceptive Ring." About.com. March 15, 2008. April 29, 2008. http://sexuality.about.com/od/contraception/p/nuvaring.htm

Vaginal Contraceptive Ring." Epigee: Women's Health. n.d. April 29, 2008. http://www.epigee.org/guide/ring.html

The two hormones released are an estrogen and a progestin (the same hormones released by the birth control pill), that prevent the ovaries from producing mature eggs

Thickening of the mucus creates a natural barrier for sperms