QuestionI recently had an abortion on feb. 2 and since my then I haven't kept my 2 week follow-up appointment and have had to reschedule twice now. I want to start my nueva ring again but not anyone will tell me if it is safe to start again w/o my follow-up visit. I just want to be protected. Would starting w/o the appt. be not in my best interest?
AnswerHi, Lanie,
I would definitely keep your appointment. But I have some questions about using the NuvaRing. It looks like, from what you have told us, it failed you once. If you want to be protected, why will you use it again when it already failed you? I guess it depends on how much of a chance you want to take. If you want to be COMPLETELY protected, you have to abstain from sex. It's the only certain method. If you are willing to take a small chance, there are a couple of choices. The safest medically is natural family planning. You learn the signs of fertility, and you can avoid sex during those times. You have to chart very carefully. If done properly, it can be around 98% effective. However, it's more effective with a married couple than with someone who is not married. People who are not married don't like to think they are planning ahead to have or not have sex. Ask yourself also just what place your sexual activity has in your life. Is your other someone you care a great deal about, or is this someone you're just having casual fun with? If the latter, ask yourself if the fun you are having is worth the aggravation.
Please keep in mind that whenever you are fertile, there is a pathway to your uterus. This is why keeping your appointment is so important (though you can choose to be checked by someone else if you would feel more comfortable). It is important that there not be anything left in your uterus that can be a source of infection.
The NuvaRing releases hormones. This means that it will affect your body's hormones, and this may have some long term consequences. Also, it looks like the only way you can use it is with a prescription, so any responsible doctor who gives you one will want to check you as well. Also keep in mind that according to the information I have it will cause a very early abortion in some cases. You should learn about it more, and decide if you want to take these chances.
Here is a good link about the NuvaRing:
http://www.epigee.org/guide/ring.html
Here is a good link on natural family planning. Please note that in order for it to work, you must have returned to a normal hormonal balance, so wait until this happens before trying to use it. If at all possible, go to a seminar on how to use NFP.
http://www.fertilityuk.org/
Good luck with this, and feel free to ask more questions, or just to talk to me.
