Annovera: Dosage, Uses and Side Effects

Introduction

Brand-name birth control with a prescription called Annovera is a vaginal ring that releases hormones. It is permitted by the FDA to assist female* adults and teenagers who have begun menstruating in preventing pregnancy. The Annovera vaginal ring is the first to have its use for a year approved.

There are gender and sex spectrums. In this article, the term "female" refers to the assigned sex at birth.

Dosage

One vaginal ring of Annovera is prescribed for usage for thirteen cycles of 28 days, or one year. Ethinyl estradiol, a synthetic oestrogen, and segesterone acetate, a synthetic progesterone, are both present in the ring. These hormones are released by the ring into the vagina, where they enter the bloodstream.

You must place the ring within your vagina and leave it there for 21 days in order to use Annovera. After that, you will remove it for seven days. You can experience bleeding or your menstruation during this time. When you have utilised the same ring for 13 cycles, you will then repeat this cycle with it. Each time the ring is inserted or removed, you must wash it with mild soap and water.

Annovera may be used between days two and five of your menstruation. You won't need to utilize a backup method of non-hormonal birth control (such condoms or spermicide) if you follow this advice. You must use a backup non-hormonal birth control method for the first seven days after starting Annovera if your periods are irregular or if your start day is more than five days after the start of your period.

A cervical cap, female condom, or diaphragm are not acceptable forms of backup birth control since they could obstruct the ring's implantation. Tampons should also not be used while the ring is on since they could pull it out unintentionally.

You run the danger of becoming pregnant if the ring comes off or if you forget to put it on or take it off when you should. You should adhere to the recommendations in the patient information leaflet or ask your physician or chemist for guidance.

Uses

Annovera prevents ovulation, or the release of an egg from the ovary, and thickens cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to access the egg. Annovera may also thin the uterine lining, which reduces the likelihood that a fertilised egg will implant.

Sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs) like HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, and human papillomavirus (HPV) are not prevented by anovera for you or your partner. Use a barrier method (such as a latex, polyurethane, or dental dam) during every sexual activity to lower your chance of contracting a STI.

Side effects

There are potential negative effects of anovera, some of which are minor and others of which are severe. Similar to other combination hormonal contraceptives, Annovera's most frequent side effects include:

• Migraine or a headache
• Nauseous and dizzy
• Yeast infection in the vagina
• infection of the urinary tract
• Abdomen ache
• Having painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
• Irregular menstrual cycles, spotting between periods, or cessation of menstruation
• Itchiness or discharge from the female organ
• Breast sensitivity
• changes in mood and weight
• reduced libido (sexual inclination)

Except when they are severe or persistent, these side effects are often minor and transient and do not necessitate medical treatment. However, you should speak to your doctor about changing your birth control method if you encounter any of these side effects and they disturb you or interfere with your everyday activities.

The following are some severe yet infrequent Annovera adverse effects:

• Leg, lung, heart, brain, or ocular blood clots
• Stroke
• Chest pain
• Blood pressure is high.
• Liver issues
• Issue with gallbladder
• Anaphylactic response to cervical cancer

These side effects can be fatal, necessitating rapid medical care. If you have any of the following negative effects, you need to stop taking Annovera immediately and contact your doctor:

• Acutely painful headache
• Stiffness or pain in the chest
• Breathing difficulties or blood in the cough
• Significant leg discomfort or edoema
• Eyesight alterations or blindness
• Significant stomach pain, slurred speech, or a weakness on one side of the body are all signs of jaundice.
• Unexpected vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, hives, rash, edoema, or breathing problems

Smoking, being older than 35, having certain medical disorders (such as diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, migraine with aura), being overweight, or having a family history of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or breast cancer all increase your likelihood of experiencing these severe adverse effects. If you possess any of these risk factors, you shouldn't use Annovera. Before using Annovera, you should discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your doctor.

Conclusion

With just one vaginal ring, Annovera is a simple and reliable method of birth control that lasts up to a year. It contains two hormones that inhibit ovulation, alter cervical mucus, and alter the uterine lining to prevent pregnancy. But it can also have certain negative effects, ranging from minor to severe. When using Annovera, you should carefully follow the dosing directions and speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.