So, due to glowing recommendations for NuvaRing, and the fact that the pill isn't really regulating me, I may be taking the plunge and switching (pending a convo with my gyno).
A few questions though:
Does it keep your period regulated better/worse than the Pill (if you have experienced both).
How far do you insert the ring?
I thought of another question...
If you happened to get a yeast infection, are you able to use OTC vaginal mediciation as directed, or would it interfere with the ring?
well i just started the ring so i don't know about the period thing...
as for how far it goes in, i just followed their directions to kinda bend it and insert, then push, and its in there just fine. i can feel it with my fingers if i try, but theres absolutely no sensation that its there unless i go looking. remember it can't get lost or anything, theres no way you could put it in too far. the area up by your cervix is a lil more roomy than at the bottom, especially if you've given birth vaginally, and it just hangs out up there.
i happened to have my first yeast infection when i got the ring (oh yay) and since i wasn't into the OTC remedies i just used acidophilus and garlic and it was fine. the infection went away really quickly and as far as i know, had no interferences because of the ring.
whats gettin to me is having all these hormones in my body now since before this i had an IUD, but if you're on the pill you should be fine.
I'm thinking about getting nuvaring too. It sounds like its easier to remember than the pill and it works in a similar way as far as hormones and periods go. I got a brochere on it and it said it can pretty much go where ever it feels comfortable, i dont know if i believe that but it seems pretty easy.
I used to have a Nuva Ring. It can go pretty much anywhere it fits in your vagina, it doesn't need special placement like a diaphram or cervical cap does because it just releases hormones. I don't know about how it regulates your period versus the pill because I've never been on the pill, but it keeps your period fairly regulated. I got off of it because I could not deal with the side effects of the hormones (even though it is the least hormonal of the hormonal types of birth control - my body reacts badly to hormones.) But, if that hadn't been an issue, it is really easy to use. I had a unrinary treck infection and I got a reccommendation from my doctor as to what to use, I don't really remember now but I think it was prescription, but it sounded like over the counter medication would have worked just as well and not interfered with the ring. You should check with you gyn to be sure though.
I love the nuvaring, you don't insert it that far and you don't feel it. You can also keep it in during your period and paps.
I never have felt the nuvaring. My periods have been very regular. You keep the ring in for 3 weeks, then the 4th week you take it out (this is when you usually get your period) then after the 4th week - insert a new ring.
It also doesn't interfere with sex.
I love it! I've been on the pill & depo and the ring is by far my favorite.
One of my reasons for switching is because the pill isn't regulating me, and I'm hoping to have better results from NuvaRing. Right now I'm on my 5th cycle of pills, and I have yet to actually start my period during the 'green week'.
I loveloveloveloveLOVED being on the ring. It rocked. I didn't have to mess with it, I didn't have to worry about it. Then my HMO switched it to a different drug list and it was going to cost me 30 bucks a month and I've never been so pissed. It only costs me 20 to have an abortion, but 30 a month for my birth control. AARGH!
So I had a tryst with the IUD, and now I'm on the pill again because I stopped being monogamous and the risks of that with the IUD freaked me out. It's definitely fantastic, though. It's got the least amount of room for human error of any monthly bc, because you don't mess with it except to put it in at the beginning of the month, and take it out at the end. There's an LJ community about it, too, I do believe.
To answer my own question, and for anyone else who might've been wondering.
The NuvaRing site says Monistat (etc) are okay to use while the ring is in, but many gynos will tell you not to do it. To wait until your 'out' week.
Nuvaring KILLED my sex drive and gave me severe DAILY headaches. :(