NuvaRing?

I've been trying to find out if the NuvaRing is available in the UK. I called the NuvaRing phone number and they weren't sure, as it was an American answering service. Any idea how I can find out? I'm trying to figure out if I need to stock up before I move or not. I'd rather not have to buy a year's worth at once, because they are expensive without insurance! But I'd rather do that than have to switch to the pill.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

It may be in some areas, but it's not in Edinburgh.

I don't think it's available here.

Did you try google.co.uk?


I found this link...
http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/personal-hygiene/nuvaring-birth-control/

I read an article in a UK paper that the NuvaRing would not be prescribed due to the high cost, of course this may change overtime.  I used the NuvaRing and asked my GP, who also said they did not prescribe this birth control method.  There is another posting about NuvaRing on UKY.

i went to the doctors here in the UK 12 months ago to talk about switching from the pill to another form of birth control.  i asked about the nuvaring- the doctor had heard of it but did not think the NHS was considering providing it.  this was in the peterborough area.  i went on the contraceptive patch here- the doctor had never perscribed it to anyone but i was able to get it on the NHS... i like the patch a lot. 

I wish there was some way to find out for sure! I will try calling them again and see if I get someone who is a little more informed on the line.

sometimes things that arn't available in one NHS primary care trust are available in others.  perhaps you can see or ring up your surgery or family planning clinic and ask them directly.  or nhs direct?

i went to my GP yesterday for a routine apptointment.  i'm on the birth control patch, and we got to talking about why i was on it etc (i'm the only person in the surgery on the patch).  i asked her about the Nuva Ring.  She said she had just attended a meeting about it earlier this week where it was announced that the Nuva Ring was going to be available at this surgery in 2-3 months.  She didn't know if this meant other areas could get it as well.  Sorry I have patchy news but that's all i could find out. 

Strangly, she was saying that she was told that most women take the ring OUT b/f sex.  i told her that two friends of mine in the US were on the ring and one took it out reguarly and the other didn't.  i said that i thought it was personal preference. 

Contact your local Family Planning CLinic, they will be more likely to knwo than your GP.

It certainly wasn't an option I was given when I last went along.


Vicky

It is NOT available in Yorkshire. I tried and searched in vain for about 2months. Most GPs and clinics have no idea what you are talking about when you mention it. I even brought the packaging with me from the US.

I ended up going back ot the pill (bad idea btw) and having major infections (yeast ones) for a few months then got a  suggestion to get a mirena coil inserted to help the infections go away. Well, it helped a bit, but they are still there. I totally blame the change from the nuvaring - my body was happy with that thing and when I changed it the hormones rebelled.

I'm still getting them and still trying to make myself normal again. The good thing is the mirena coil (I have not had kids and it was painful for them to put it in) has virtually stopped my periods and it lasts 5yrs.

I hope you find a suitable alternative that doesn't wreak havoc on your body and hormones.

They seem to like to push the coil here.  Must get a discount on them.

Strangly, she was saying that she was told that most women take the ring OUT b/f sex.  i told her that two friends of mine in the US were on the ring and one took it out reguarly and the other didn't.  i said that i thought it was personal preference. 

All the literature I've seen (and personal experience) has said this isn't necessary.  I nfact, unless it's really bothering you, it can actually be detrimental, since you're only supposed to have it out for around 3 hrs max a week.  It works just fine with sex, unless the guy is particularly well-endowed and it gets in the way.

I actually got the Mirena Coil about two years ago, just before I left the UK to come back to the states.  I love it.  I have about 3 more years to go.  Although I have two kids already, I had got it put in right after the second one, so no probs there.  And not having a period is heaven.  Although I still get the up and down moods of having a period, and I pretty much know what time of the month that will happen.  I have heard that you can still get pregnant on the Mirena I guess as any birth control there is a small chance, but the scary thing is, without a period how would I know.

Anyway, good luck to you.

Take Care,

MelanieB