Nuvaring Causing Blood Clots

by Steve Fields on October 14th, 2011

Studies have shown that the likelihood of abnormal clotting is higher after using the birth control ring than it is with other contraceptives. The reason is largely due to the hormones estrogen and desogestrel, both of which are released into the woman’s body. These hormones increase the coagulability of blood, and contribute to Nuvaring causing blood clots. Once they form, these clots (also called thrombi) can cause several medical emergencies.

Abnormal clotting stemming from use of the contraceptive ring usually takes place in the deep veins of the legs. This is a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Blood flows from these veins toward the heart via a large blood vessel called the inferior vena cava (IVC). If Nuvaring side effects involving blood clots break free of the leg veins, they can be carried along this same path. To prevent them from reaching the heart, your doctor can install a filter within the IVC. Below, you’ll learn how it is placed as well as some of the problems it can cause.

Serious Problems Caused By Nuvaring Causing Blood Clots

When thrombi remain in your legs, they restrict blood flow until they dissolve. If they are relatively small, your body’s natural clot-dissolving system (called fibrinolysis) will eventually break them down. Otherwise, they will continue to impair venous return, and possibly grow larger over time. Your doctor may give you anticoagulation therapy to slow your blood’s rate of coagulation. This helps your body dissolve thrombi before they are able to break free.

Blood clots that detach from the veins become emboli. As noted earlier, they travel with the bloodstream toward the heart. If thrombi reach the heart, they can be pumped into the arteries of the lungs. Small emboli may be dissolved by your body as they travel through the arteries. Larger ones can become lodged in the vessels, causing a pulmonary embolism.

A PE can trigger an arrhythmia that allows blood to pool inside the atria and ventricles (upper and lower chambers of the heart, respectively). If this occurs, clots can form in the chambers. Those that develop on the left side of the heart can be pumped out of the left ventricle, and into the aorta. Once thrombi have entered the aorta, they can migrate to the brain, causing a stroke, or into the coronary arteries, triggering a heart attack.

The goal is to prevent blood clots from entering the heart in the first place. This can be accomplished with an IVC filter.

How The IVC Filter Is Installed

A radiologist performs the procedure. A local anesthetic is applied to the skin near the groin, and an entry point is created. The filter is installed in the inferior vena cava through a catheter. The catheter is inserted into a vein, and threaded to the IVC.

If visualization of the IVC is poor, your doctor may inject a contrast dye. The dye shows up clearly on x-ray images, and can help your doctor guide the catheter through the vein. When it arrives at the installation site, the filter is deployed and the catheter is withdrawn. The entire procedure can usually be completed within an hour.

The IVC filter is a small metal net. Blood is allowed to pass through it while emboli are caught as they travel toward the heart. The filter prevents Nuvaring and blood clots from reaching the heart and lungs, and causing a pulmonary embolism, stroke, or heart attack.

Complications Following Installation Of A Vena Cava Filter

Installation of an IVC filter is not without risk. For example, the contrast dye may cause an allergic reaction; the filter may be positioned poorly inside the vein; or, an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) may occur. Other complications present even greater risk. The filter may begin to migrate from the installation site. Or, it might perforate the IVC’s wall.

Due to the risks, IVC filters are seldom used for treating Nuvaring blood clots. When thrombi remain in the legs, anticoagulant medications are usually adequate. If they migrate to the lungs, brain, or heart, clot-busting drugs known as thrombolytic medications can be given to address them. If you have suffered from abnormal clotting, DVT, PE, or other serious Nuvaring side effects, you may be able to file a claim against the contraceptive ring’s manufacturer. Contact a Nuvaring attorney to discuss your case.