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I’ve read that there is an increased risk of blood clotting and related health issues while on the ring. How high is the risk of these side effects?

Most women can use NuvaRing safely. But all medications have some risks, so safety is a concern when choosing a birth control method. The risk of blood clotting is somewhat higher for users of the ring, the patch, and the pill than it is for non-users. But it is still rare. For non-users it is fewer than four out of 100,000 women. For users it is fewer than 10 out of 100,000 women.

The risks increase if you have certain conditions. These include being 35 or older, smoking cigarettes, and having conditions associated with heart attack, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high levels of cholesterol. Certain inherited conditions also increase the risk of blood clotting as does extended bed rest after surgery. Some of these conditions may even rule out using the ring. Talk with your health care provider to find out if the ring is likely to be safe for you.

There are many other methods of birth control that may be safe for you if you cannot use the ring. Read about other methods to find one that may be right for you.

Learn more about the ring.

Tags: birth control, the ring

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