Expert: Diane Cheryl - 11/14/2006

Question
I started using the Nuvaring on November 1 which was 2 or 3 days into my cycle.  Five days later I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend and started feeling nauseous a few days later.  I have been doing some research online and found that if I had not been on any other form of birth control recently, that the Nuvaring wouldn't protect against pregnancy until seven days after it is inserted.  I am now worried that I may be pregnant but am not sure if I am overreacting.  Is it common to starting feeling nauseous so soon if I was pregnant?  Should I take out the Nuvaring in the chance that I am pregnant?  Could I just be nauseous from the Nuvaring itself?  Thank you very much!

Answer
Hello Megan,
I'm not a medical doctor so I suggest that you ask your physician or whoever prescribed the Nuvaring. I'm not sure about taking it out if you're pregnant. In my opinion, the hormones would be dangerous to the baby if you were pregnant. I would have to do some more research. Please email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com if you would like me to do this for you. If you want to check on a location for a free pregnancy test, go to http://www.optionline.org
I hope to hear from you soon. Also, I just read that nauseous could be a side effect from the Nuvaring but it says that symptom should go away in a few days and if not, report to your physician. I would not recommend any kind of birth control method except condoms (not very effective) and Natural Family Planning.
Diane Cheryl
DCHERYL51@yahoo.com