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Birth Control Ring Side Effects

By: John 5 Humphrey5

The benefits and side-effects of the birth control pill have been researched and debated since inception. The first generation of birth control pills (developed in the 1960s) used a higher concentration of estrogen-like compounds as the main means of contraception, but over time it was believed that the levels created an unacceptable risk of blood clots. The second generation oral contraceptives were then introduced. They included progestins at varying concentrations and strengths, with some using gradually increasing hormones, resulting in a lower total dosage of hormone each month.

In the 1990s, the third generation pills were released, which have lower doses of active ingredients than their predecessors. While both second and third generation oral contraceptives still contain both types of hormones, estrogen and progestin, the difference between second and third generation pills is the type of progestin contained in the pill. Second generation pills contain norgestrel, levonorgestrel, or norgestimate while third generation pills contain desogestrel or gestodene (outside of the US). Contraceptives like the patch (Ortho-Evra Patch) and the birth control ring (Nuvaring) also contain third-generation hormones.

Third generation pills have been shown to be just as good, if not better, in preventing pregnancy and have reduced side-effects such as irregular menstrual cycle, weight gain, unwanted hair growth and headaches. However, the concern over blood clots has yet again cast a dark shadow over the oral contraceptive. Research has shown that these third generation pills are associated with an increased risk (1.7 to 3 times as much) of forming blood clots (venous thrombosis). This shocking discovery has resulted in calls for a ban on third generation contraceptives containing desogestrel due to the approximately doubled risk of venous thrombosis (30 cases for every 100,000 users per year of third generation oral contraceptives compared to 15 cases for every 100,000 users of second generation oral contraceptives). The birth control ring side effects deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism have been blamed on the type of hormone contained in the contraceptive and is currently the center of lawsuit brought by women who developed blood clots while using the Nuvaring birth control ring.

There are studies of the third generation pills that have shown some positive benefits. In terms of heart disease protection, when compared to second generation pills, the new pills reduced the rate of heart attacks by two to three times. Another study even found third generation pills to be beneficial in raising the bodys good cholesterol (HDL), which has been linked to lower rates of cardiac disease. When choosing a birth control pill, you should always consult your doctor, but your family history and health may also be a guide. Third generation pills should be used with great caution by women who have a history of DVTs or a strong family history of blood clots in the legs or are significantly overweight. They may be a good choice, though, for women with a family history of heart disease or high blood pressure or who want reduced minor effects such as weight gain, headaches, hair growth and breakthrough bleeding.

Article Source: http://articles-book.com

David Johnson is author of this article on Nuvaring risks. Find more information about Nuvaring lawsuit here.





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