Can the NuvaRing be used with spermicide?

[Spicygirl82]

Hey everyone. I am considering going on the NuvaRing but I also want to use a spermicide as well. Can one use the NuvaRing with spermicide or must it be used without spermicide?

[Brandye]

You are really bouncing around with contraceptives. In the last few weeks you have brought up implant, shot and asked about condoms. I am a booster of the ring but that should be discussed with your doctor. You really should wait until you get the irritation bit cleared up before making any more changes. The ring puts less hormone in your system than any other hormonal system and keeps it a rather steady in your bloodstream. These seem to be fewer side effects than with other hormone delivery.

If 100 women use the ring properly for a year, three will become pregnant, the same as with the pill or other systems. The error rate is greatly affected by using other medications so the same questions should be asked about meds, especially antibiotics, and dietary supplements as when on other hormonal contraception. Adding the spermicide will reduce this to an almost unmeasurable pregnancy rate. The spermicide will not affect the hormones the ring will be delivering. The only problem I can think of is that the ring may be more likely to be expelled with the extra lubrication. For the first few weeks on the ring, it should be checked daily and before sex.

I do urge you to get the irritation issue dealt with. Being put essentially out of commission for 24-36 hours after sex is not acceptable.

[Spicygirl82]

Originally Posted by Brandye

You are really bouncing around with contraceptives. In the last few weeks you have brought up implant, shot and asked about condoms. I am a booster of the ring but that should be discussed with your doctor. You really should wait until you get the irritation bit cleared up before making any more changes. The ring puts less hormone in your system than any other hormonal system and keeps it a rather steady in your bloodstream. These seem to be fewer side effects than with other hormone delivery.

If 100 women use the ring properly for a year, three will become pregnant, the same as with the pill or other systems. The error rate is greatly affected by using other medications so the same questions should be asked about meds, especially antibiotics, and dietary supplements as when on other hormonal contraception. Adding the spermicide will reduce this to an almost unmeasurable pregnancy rate. The spermicide will not affect the hormones the ring will be delivering. The only problem I can think of is that the ring may be more likely to be expelled with the extra lubrication. For the first few weeks on the ring, it should be checked daily and before sex.

I do urge you to get the irritation issue dealt with. Being put essentially out of commission for 24-36 hours after sex is not acceptable.

Oh okay. Thanks Brandye. I guess you could say I have been having a hard time deciding what kind of birth control I want to be on. I first thought I wanted Implanon because I knew my doctor offered it and it lasts 3 years. I had problems with the IUD I was on. But then I found out that it didn't work with those who are obese. Right now my two main options are Depo Provera and NuvaRing. Thanks!

[Brandye]

Yes, you are confused. IUD not working with obese women? Never heard of that. Depo and the Nuva Ring are at the opposite ends of the spectrum for hormonal methods. Perhaps you should seek out a counselor at Planned Parenthood or a local women's clinic and explore all possibilities. A comprehensive review is better than the scattered questions and answers from people you do not even know exist.

[Spicygirl82]

Originally Posted by Brandye

Yes, you are confused. IUD not working with obese women? Never heard of that. Depo and the Nuva Ring are at the opposite ends of the spectrum for hormonal methods. Perhaps you should seek out a counselor at Planned Parenthood or a local women's clinic and explore all possibilities. A comprehensive review is better than the scattered questions and answers from people you do not even know exist.

No, I know that IUDs work with obese women. I was talking about Implanon which is a small stick of plastic that they insert into a woman's arm. It delivers progesterone to the body like the Depo Provera does except over a longer period of time. I thought it wouldn't work with obese women.

EDIT: Ooops, I see how I caused the confusion. I used poor grammar. When I said "it" in the third to the last sentence, I meant the Implanon.

[EvilEvilKitten]

PRecisely. Poor grammar leads to misunderstandings.

[Spicygirl82]

Originally Posted by EvilEvilKitten

PRecisely. Poor grammar leads to misunderstandings.

This is definitely true. I have never really done well when it comes to grammar unfortunately. All well, I'll try to look out for such mistakes in the future before I post.