Health Department

Joel Strasz - Public Health Officer
Andre Reed - Deputy Health Officer
Emily Nelson - Public Health Nursing Services Manager
Melissa Opheim - Public Health Services Manager/EPC
Amy Revette - WIC Manager
Mark Pickell - Business Services Manager
Joel Kwiatkowski - Environmental Health Manager
Dr. Thomas Bender - Medical Director
Dr. William Morrone - Medical Examiner
Bay County Health Department
1200 Washington Avenue
Bay City, Michigan 48708
Voice: (989) 895-4009
Fax: (989) 895-4014

NuvaRing

NuvaRing® is a new form of contraception.  Since NuvaRing® works in the same way that birth control pills work, most of the advantages, risks, and side-effects are considered to be the same for both methods.

NuvaRing® is a polyethylene vinyl ring that is smaller than the size of a diaphragm.  The ring contains the hormones estrogen and progesterone.  These hormones are similar to those produced by a woman's body.  The hormones flow slowly from the ring into the bloodstream.  They work to prevent pregnancy by keeping eggs from being released by the ovaries.  NuvaRing® is expected to be at least as effective as birth control pills.  In early studies of this new contraceptive, the pregnancy rate of users was less than 1 per 100 women.

EFFECTIVENESS

  • 99.3% with perfect use
  • NuvaRing® must be stored and used according to package directions.

BENEFITS

  • NuvaRing® is an effective method of birth control.
  • You do not need to remember to take the pill everyday.  You only need to remember to remove the ring after week 3 and to reinsert a new ring one week later.
  • When you decide that you no longer want to use contraception and you discontinue your use of the ring, your ability to become pregnant should return quickly.

Some non-contraceptive benefits include:

  • Predictable, regular menstrual cycles
  • Decreased menstrual cramps and blood loss
  • Less acne
  • Some protection from non-cancerous breast tumors and ovarian cysts
  • Some protection from ovarian and uterine lining cancer

RISKS

Risks for NuvaRing® users are based on studies of women who use birth control pills.  These include:

  • Blood clots
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack
  • Liver tumors

Women over the age of 35 years who smoke cigarettes should not use NuvaRing®.

SIDE EFFECTS

Minor reactions from use of NuvaRing® may include:

  • Headache
  • Increased vaginal discharge
  • Vaginal irritation or infection
  • Nausea

Regular physical examinations for routine health care are recommended.  Condom use for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections is encouraged.