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Birth Control Methods

Ring

NuvaRing®
Emergency Contraception
External Condoms
Hormonal IUD
Implant
Internal Condoms
Non-Hormonal IUD
Patch
Ring
Shot/Injection
Sterilization – Female
Sterilization – Male
The Pill
About

The birth control ring is a flexible plastic ring that contains two hormones, estrogen and progestin. A woman can insert the ring herself into her vagina. Once in place, the ring releases these hormones to prevent pregnancy. It’s a simple and private method of birth control that you handle yourself.

Effectiveness
91%
91% effective
Mechanism of Action

The ring works to prevent pregnancy through a couple of key actions:

  1. Thicken cervical mucus: The ring releases hormones that make the mucus in the cervix thicker, which helps block sperm from getting through to an egg.
  2. Suppress ovulation: It also works by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs.

Usage:

  • Keep the ring in place inside your vagina for 21 days. After that, you remove it for seven days, during which you might have your period. Then, insert a new ring.
  • Some people might use the ring in a way that changes the typical schedule to reduce or skip periods.
  • You can take the ring out for up to three hours in a 24-hour period without reducing its effectiveness, which can be convenient for personal comfort or during sexual intercourse.
Benefits
Improves cycle symptoms
Improves cycle symptoms
May reduce risk of ovarian cancer
May reduce risk of ovarian cancer
Helps manage symptoms of endometriosis
Helps manage symptoms of endometriosis
May prevent functional ovarian cysts
May prevent functional ovarian cysts

Using the ring has several benefits besides preventing pregnancy, and here’s how they can be helpful:

  • Shorter, more regular periods: The ring helps regulate your menstrual cycle, making your periods shorter and more predictable.
  • Lighter flow and decreased anemia: It reduces the amount of bleeding during periods, which can help prevent anemia.
  • Less painful periods: Many users experience less discomfort and cramping during their periods.
  • Decreased number of periods per year: You can choose to use the ring in a way that reduces the number of periods you have each year.
  • Treatment of endometriosis: The ring can help manage symptoms of endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterus lining grows outside it.
  • Improvement of acne: It can help clear up skin conditions like acne.
  • Prevention of functional ovarian cysts: The ring reduces the likelihood of developing non-cancerous cysts on the ovaries.
  • Decreased risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers: Using the ring can lower your risk of developing these types of cancer.
Start Method
Backup required
Backup required

You may need to use a backup birth control method (like condoms) for the first seven days.

Potential Side Effects and Concerns

When using the ring, there are some potential side effects and concerns to keep in mind:

Discontinuation Rates

After the first month, about 11% of users stop using the method. After the first year up to 50% of users might stop using it. Studies indicate that the ring tends to have lower rates of discontinuation while the patch might have higher rates.

Other Side Effects:

  • Breakthrough bleeding: You might experience light bleeding or spotting between periods.
  • Nausea: Feeling queasy can occur, especially when you first start using these methods.
  • Breast tenderness: Your breasts may feel tender or sore.
  • Headaches: Some users might experience headaches.
  • Mood changes/decreased sex drive: Changes in mood and a lower interest in sexual activities are possible.
  • High blood pressure: These methods can increase blood pressure in some users.
  • Weight gain: Gaining a bit of weight is a potential side effect.
Who Should Not Use This?

The ring should not be used by people with the following health conditions:

  • History of blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes: If you’ve had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), heart attack, or stroke.
  • Migraines if aged 35 or older: Especially severe migraines.
  • Complicated diabetes: Particularly if it has led to additional health issues or organ damage.
  • Migraines with aura: This type of migraine includes additional sensory disturbances such as flashes of light.
  • Active liver disease: The ring can worsen liver conditions.
  • Coronary artery disease: Using the ring could increase risks associated with heart disease.
  • Breast cancer: Hormones in the ring can influence breast cancer, making it a risky choice for those affected.
  • Smokers aged 35 or older: Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular problems, heightened by hormonal birth control.
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure): The ring can raise blood pressure, complicating existing hypertension.