NuvaRing blood clots can form within your deep veins, causing a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The clots are due to the hormones that are released into your body once the ring has been inserted. Research has shown that combining estrogen with the progestin etonogestrel (as is the case with Nuva Ring) sharply raises the risk of clotting. The deep veins within your legs (the most common site of DVT) connect directly to your inferior vena cava, the largest vein in your body. The vena cava connects directly to your heart; it is the pathway taken by oxygen-poor blood as it returns to your heart and lungs. If you suffer from NuvaRing DVT, the blood clots in your deep veins can break loose and travel with your bloodstream. As emboli (i.e. traveling clots), they can migrate through your vena cava into your heart, exposing you to pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack, and other Nuva Ring side effects. This is the reason deep vein thrombosis should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. How Nuva Ring DVT Is Diagnosed Because deep venous clots are often difficult to identify, your doctor may perform multiple tests to conclusively diagnose DVT. He or she may conduct an ultrasound to generate images of the arterial and venous networks within your legs. If the ultrasound is unable to confirm the presence of clots, a d-Dimer test may be performed. The d-Dimer test is actually a screening mechanism rather than a strategy for producing a conclusive diagnosis. d-Dimers are fibrin particles. Fibrin is a derivative of fibrinogen, a natural protein produced by your body's clotting system. Elevated levels suggest the presence of clots. A d-Dimer test that produces a negative result, or shows low levels, can be useful for ruling out the likelihood of blood clots. A positive result is far less useful because the presence of d-Dimers can be caused by infection and other factors. The most useful test for diagnosing NuvaRing blood clots and DVT is a venogram. During this test, a contrast dye is injected into the suspected site (e.g. your legs). X-rays are then taken of the area. The contrast dye allows your doctor to identify blood clots by studying the flow of blood through your veins (clots normally do not show up on X-rays). If there is an obstruction, the presence of a clot is likely. Blood tests, MRIs, and CT scans can also be performed, though they are less useful than venography. In recent years, Doppler ultrasonography has become one of the primary tests used to diagnose DVT due to its sensitivity. However, a venogram is still considered the gold standard. Treating Deep Venous Thrombosis Surgery is seldom needed for Nuva Ring blood clots within your deep veins. Instead, your doctor may prescribe anticoagulants, such as heparin or warfarin (Coumadin) to prevent clots from growing larger. If an existing clot is already large and poses a danger, your physician may suggest thrombolytic therapy. Clot-dissolving medications are injected into the affected vein through a catheter. While thrombolysis can dissolve large blood clots, there is a risk of bleeding. In the event that you suffer from an advanced case of deep vein thrombosis, your doctor might recommend venous thrombectomy. This is a surgical procedure during which the offending clot is removed. Because the operation is invasive, it is only used to treat DVT in which the clots pose an immediate danger to your health. Many healthy women have suffered blood clots and DVT after using NuvaRing. The hormones released from the birth control ring affect your body's clotting system, making the formation of clots more likely. If you have already used Nuva Ring and developed blood clots, you may have the right to seek compensation from the manufacturer. Contact a NuvaRing lawyer to explore your legal options.
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NuvaRing blood clots can form within your deep veins, causing a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The clots are due to the hormones that are released into your body once the ring has been inserted. Research has shown that combining estrogen with the progestin etonogestrel (as is the case with Nuva Ring) sharply raises the risk of clotting.
David Whitney is author of this article on Nuvaring lawsuit. Find more information about Nuvaring side effects here.
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