Nuvaring Blood Clots Lawsuit | Nuva Ring Problems Attorney

by Steve Fields on January 7th, 2010

DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE) are a few of several dangerous Nuvaring blood clots side effects of the birth control ring. Pulmonary embolism Nuva ring problems are caused by blood clots that form a blockage within the lungs. The blockage prevents blood from reaching the lung tissue, thereby starving it. If PE is left untreated, the portion of the lung tissue that is starved of blood can sustain permanent damage. That leads to long-term health problems.

Below, you’ll discover how a NuvaRing blood clot in the lungs occurs and why even healthy women with no predisposition toward abnormal clotting are at risk. You’ll also learn about the long-term health impacts that are associated with permanent lung damage.

How NuvaRing Blood Clots Occur

NuvaRing is a third-generation birth control method that combines estrogen with the progestin etonogestrel. This progestin is an active metabolite of desogestrel. Studies have found that combining estrogen with desogestrel increases the risk of blood clots 7.3-fold compared to non-use. These clots often form in the deep veins of the legs, a condition called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. In 90% of diagnosed cases, pulmonary embolism is triggered by deep venous blood clots.

As long as the Nuvaring blood clot remain within the deep veins, their impact is limited to circulation issues. You may experience swelling and pain within your legs, but your life will not be in immediate danger. However, if the clots become detached, they can be carried along with your blood as it travels toward your heart.

Your blood normally passes through the right side of your heart before being pumped through your pulmonary arteries to your lungs. The loose blood clots (i.e. emboli) can travel into one of your pulmonary arteries and create a blockage. The lung tissue supplied by the blocked artery starves, triggering NuvaRing PE.

NuvaRing Side Effects From PE

The long-term side effects of Nuva Ring pulmonary embolism depend largely on the extent of the blockage and the resulting lung damage. If the blood clots are treated quickly, the damage can be limited to a small area; your lungs’ function may only be slightly impaired.

However, in cases where the blockage is substantial or is left untreated for hours, lung damage may become extensive. This can limit your lungs’ ability to effectively oxygenate your blood before it is returned to your heart. Given that your organs depend upon a rich supply of oxygen to function properly, your lungs’ impaired ability to oxygenate your blood can eventually cause severe damage.

Pulmonary embolism is one of several potentially life-threatening NuvaRing side effects. Many healthy women have suffered PE after developing blood clots from using this third-generation birth control method.

A common assumption is that the risk of abnormal clotting is reduced due to the ring’s consistent delivery of estrogen and etonogestrel through the vaginal wall membrane. In reality, the number of women who have suffered a PE, DVT, and stroke suggests the risk of clotting remains significant. While blood clots can be treated with anticoagulants, they are extremely dangerous if they break away and travel toward your heart.

If you or someone you love has used this birth control ring and experienced any of the side effects described above, contact a NuvaRing attorney. You may have the right to file a Nuvaring lawsuit against the manufacturer and seek compensation for your injuries.