NuvaRing Controversy

To prevent fertilization in women various contraceptive methods are utilized. One type of contraceptive method prescribed by physicians is NuvaRing. An online article published in Women’s Health Magazine addresses the issue whether this type of contraceptive is safe. The article entitled, “Is the NuvaRing ACTUALLY Going to Kill You? A Look at the Evidence” questions whether or not NuvaRing is a serious health risk to women. The concept of this article suggests that benefits outweigh the risks (Gueren, 2013).
Studies have shown that birth control can cause an increase of blood clots (also known as venous thromboembolism, or VTE), especially the newer forms of birth control (oral contraceptive) such as the the NuvaRing. British Medical Journal cited in the Vanity Fair article concluded that the risk of getting a blood clot is 6.5 times greater when using some sort of contraceptive. Without birth control about 2.1 women out of 10,000 will get a blood clot each year. When women use oral contraceptive the number rises to 6.2 out of 10,000. When using the NuvaRing the number jumps to 7.75 out of 10,000. Even though there is a risk for blood clots, the study did not consider pertinent external variables including smoking, obesity, and family history (Gueren, 2013).
The article detailed a Kaiser Permanente and Medicaid study that reported that NuvaRing carried a 56 % increase risk for blood clots compared to oral contraceptives. A Kaiser employee, Steve Sidney, explains the research did not look at women who are new to birth control. It looked at women who used contraceptives beforehand. There is no data cited regarding why they discontinued the medication. Later the same study was repeated. This time it included first...

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...rough, and detailed. It provides specific statistical data and measurements more appropriate for the medical and scientific community.
The article discloses the benefits of the NuvaRing and supports the author’s recommendations. Every medication, including contraceptives, is subject to side effects. The nursing practice needs to educate patients and provide enough information for patients to decide if this method of contraception is right for them and if the benefits outweigh the risks. This will improve the practice of nurses who work in OB/GYN and dermatologist offices. Improved training for the nurses will lead to better patient care.

Reference
Gueren, C. (2013). Is the NuvaRing actually going to kill you?: A look at the evidence. Women’s Health Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/nuvaring