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IN FOCUS: ARTICLE |
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The Ring and the Patch: Two New Birth Control Choices!
by Kate McCarthy, 09.25.02
We all love to have options — and now, there are two new methods of birth control to add to the mix! The ring (NuvaRing) and the patch (Ortho Evra) are both combined hormone contraceptives — which means they use hormones similar to the estrogen and progesterone made by a woman's ovaries to prevent pregnancy. And, like the pill, they are up to 99.7 percent effective against pregnancy!
Like all combined hormone contraceptive methods, the ring and the patch have many advantages:
- nothing to do right before sex to protect against pregnancy
- more regular, shorter periods
- less: menstrual flow and cramping, acne, iron deficiency anemia, excess body hair, premenstrual symptoms, as well as related headaches and depression
- protection against ovarian and endometrial cancers, pelvic inflammatory disease, noncancerous growths of the breasts, ovarian cysts, and osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)
There are also some possible disadvantages to using combined hormone methods:
- rare but serious health risks, including blood clots, heart attack, and stroke — women who are 35 and older and smoke are at a greater risk
- other possible side effects, include temporary irregular bleeding, weight gain or loss, breast tenderness, nausea — rarely, vomiting, changes in mood, and other discomforts
The Ring
The ring is a soft, flexible ring that a woman inserts deep inside her vagina. A new ring is inserted once and left in place for three out of four weeks. At the beginning of the fourth week it is removed and menstruation occurs.
There are many advantages specific to using the ring:
- It protects against pregnancy for one month.
- You don't have to take a pill every day.
- It doesn't require a "fitting" by a clinician.
- It doesn't require the use of spermicide.
There are also some possible disadvantages specific to the ring:
- increased vaginal discharge
- possible vaginal irritation or infection
- can't use a diaphragm or cervical cap for a backup method of birth control
The Patch
The patch is applied to the body once a week for three weeks. During the fourth week no patch is applied, and menstruation occurs. The patch should be applied on the same day of the week for three consecutive weeks.
There are many advantages specific to using the patch:
- It protects against pregnancy for one month.
- You don't have to take a pill every day.
There are also some possible disadvantages specific to the patch:
- skin reaction at the site of application
- menstrual cramps
- may not be as effective for women who weigh more than 198 pounds
Both the ring and the patch release continuous levels of hormones through the body and into the bloodstream. They prevent pregnancy in the same way that birth control pills do, by preventing ovulation, which means that the ovary does not release an egg to be fertilized.
Both methods cost $30-$35 for a month's supply. But some family planning clinics charge according to income.
Neither method offers any protection against sexually transmitted infections. Using a latex or female condom along with either of these methods of birth control reduces the risk of infection.
To find out more about these methods, check out Your Contraceptive Choices.
To schedule an appointment at your nearest Planned Parenthood to discuss your birth control options, call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN. |
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