What are the risks associated with the use of Nuvaring for a 40 year old woman who smokes 2 to 3 cigarettes a day? Does the use of electronic cigarettes have the same effect? with or without nicotine?

Question

I have no history of illness. I do not take any medication. I am very physically active. Two children. Low blood pressure 89/66. No cholesterol. 10 pounds overweight. Mirena IUD removed after two 5 year periods, 10 years total. No cardiovascular disease or breast cancer in family. I usually smoke one cigarette a day, in the evening. Occasionally, when there are friends and alcohol, I may have more (5-6) during the evening. I'm thinking about the electronic cigarette. I don't smoke every day and I don't feel withdrawal during the day. I am wondering if having an e-liquid with a low dose of nicotine (to eventually have a zero dose) may have health risks. I know cigarettes are bad what so ever....

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Hello Mrs. You should know that combined contraceptives (with estrogen and progesterone, such as Nuvaring) can increase the risk of thrombosis beyond the age of 35 in women who smoke 15 cigarettes or more. The absolute risk remains low compared to the general population, but is still (somewhat) increased. In these individuals, a non-estrogenic contraceptive is more favorable. Since you tell me that you smoke 1 to 6 times a day, nuvaring is not contraindicated. Although some sources indicate that the electronic cigarette could help with smoking cessation, several problems are present with this type of device: they reinforce the hand-to-mouth reflex, and their content is not regulated, i.e. we cannot know in many cases exactly what is in the device... in short, it's still the wild west for the electronic cigarette or vapoteuse, for the moment. In conclusion, it is always better not to smoke, but I understand that this is real life and that it is easier said than done. If you ever want more information on smoking cessation, pharmacists can prescribe you different replacement therapies (gum, lozenges, patches, mouth spray, etc.), with a schedule that will be personalized to you. I hope this answers your question!