One of the more recent forms of birth control to come onto the market, NuvaRing is a flexible, transparent ring that is inserted directly into the vagina, secreting a combination of synthetic hormones through the vaginal wall into the bloodstream. It remains in the vaginal canal for three weeks, and then removed for one. At the end of that week, a new ring is inserted and the cycle begins again. The NuvaRing was approved for use in 2001 by the FDA.

The NuvaRing works by allowing the hormones to interact with the body locally, suppressing ovulation, reducing the possibility for sperm to meet with an egg and therefore preventing pregnancy. As it works in ways similar to birth control pills - with artificial hormones suppressing ovulation and fertilization - but is only inserted once a month instead of taken daily, the NuvaRing was touted as a new replacement for birth control pills. It was made for women who liked the pregnancy protection the pill provided, but didn’t like the hassle of taking a pill at the same time every day.

Unfortunately, many side effects of NuvaRing are now coming to light - none of them good. The NuvaRing is affecting women in ways much more serious than originally disclosed by the manufacturers. This lack of disclosure is spurring class action lawsuits across the country. These wrongful death lawsuits, brought about by women who have used or have family members who have used NuvaRing, are claiming the manufacturers knew about the dangers and side effects the NuvaRing had toward women, but failed to disclose them to women or the FDA during the testing and approval process.

At last count, there are approximately 300 lawsuits filed across the country for product liability. These lawsuits claim NuvaRing users suffered life-threatening, even fatal, blood clots, in addition to deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and heart attack.

If you are currently a NuvaRing user, please seek medical attention to change your form of birth control. If you have previously used NuvaRing and are now suffering from medical and health complications, consult a product liability attorney near you. Don’t wait - the risk to your health is too great.