There are many different types of birth control options available today including pills, condoms, diaphragms, and contraceptive creams. Ethinyl Estradiol is another type of contraceptive most commonly called NuvaRing.

Ethinyl Estradiol was made from natural estradiol; the drug is taken orally and has become the estrogen used in most of the modern formulations of contraceptives such as the Pill. Ethinyl Estradiol was the first orally active synthetic steroidal estrogen and was approved by the FDA in the United States in 1943 and Schering marketed it as Estinyl. In 2004 the FDA withdrew the approval of Estinyl at the request of Schering.

When taken orally Ethinyl Estradiol is absorbed quickly it is also quickly inactivated by the liver. Once Ethinyl Estradiol is absorbed into the small intestine it is fully absorbed into the blood stream about two hours later.

Ethinyl Estradiol is used with combinations of other drugs such as Desogestrel, Norethindrone, Levonorgetrel, and Drospirenone. These combinations make up brand name birth control pills, patches, and vaginal rings. Ethinyl Estradiol can only be obtained by prescription from your doctor; patients that smoke while taking Ethinyl Estradiol will increase their risk of having side effects. Side effects include hair loss, chloasma, melasma, increased levels of thyroxin, hirsutism, and others. For a complete list of side effects, ask your doctor.

Ethinyl Estradiol is used in combination with other female hormones to prevent ovulation, or the release of an egg from the ovary. Ethinyl Estradiol also causes changes in the cervical mucus and uterine lining, this in turn makes it harder for the sperm to reach the uterus and even harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Basically Ethinyl Estradiol is used to prevent pregnancy, it is important to understand that taking a contraceptive like Ethinyl Estradiol will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS.

Pregnant women should not take anything containing Ethinyl Estradiol because it can cause birth defects in unborn babies. Women that have a history of blood clots, stroke, circulation problems, or a hormone related cancer, should not take Ethinyl Estradiol. Using Ethinyl Estradiol may not protect you fully from getting pregnant, you may need to use a back up contraceptive such as spermicide or a condom. You should not use a diaphragm while taking Ethinyl Estradiol.

Using this hormone increases your risk of blood clots, heart attack, and strokes; if you smoke or are over the age of thirty five, these risks are increased. Some medications can reduce the potency of the hormone such as vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and some over the counter and prescription medications. Tell your doctor about all of the medication you are taking before you start using Ethinyl Estradiol.

Ethinyl Estradiol is a great hormone that has been combined with other female hormones for years making effective birth control pills, patches, and vaginal rings. This hormone can be taken for uses other than birth control such as to regulate your menstrual cycle. Ethinyl Estradiol may not be for everyone and should be discussed with your doctor before you start taking it.

Contraceptives

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