When it comes to preventing pregnancy, many women opt for hormonal birth control because it's easy to use and extremely effective. Aside from the pill, the NuvaRing is one of the more popular options. If you're considering switching to this form of birth control, you'll want to know the pros and cons, so read more.
| Pros |
Cons |
- When used correctly, it's 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. That means you can be spontaneous and have sex without worrying about getting pregnant.
- It's simple to use because you only have to think about it twice a month.
- Most women say they can't feel it once inserted.
- Since it releases a steady amount of hormones, women will notice fewer mood swings than if they were on triphasic birth control pills (where the hormone levels change every week).
- If you decide you want to have children, once you stop using the NuvaRing, ovulation should return within 13 to 28 days.
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- It doesn't protect against STIs.
- If you are uncomfortable touching yourself, you may have an issue inserting and removing the NuvaRing.
- Some guys complain that they can feel it during sex.
- It can slip out while straining to go to the bathroom or during sex, so you have to check it frequently to make sure it's still inside you.
- If you smoke while using the NuvaRing, the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects is increased.
- The risk of blood clots may be greater with the type of progestin in NuvaRing.
- Combination hormonal contraceptives, like the NuvaRing, that contain both estrogen and progestin, can worsen conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and problems with cholesterol.
- Hormonal contraceptives may increase your risk of stroke.
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Eddie Bauer
Tod's
Vivienne Westwood
I want to hear what people think about this thing...I am curious to tyring out a new form of birth control...
1I've been on the ring for 2 years. I had pretty low side effects. I use it 3 months at a time for endometriosis. My husband can't feel it, and I'm not aware of it on a daily basis.
I get some bloating. It is worse because of the 3 cylces in a row. I think I wouldn't get any if I was on the normal one month cycle. I also get spotting near the end of the 3rd cycle because of the very low dose. The most annoying side-effect I've found is an increase in vaginal dischage. I just wear panty liners all the time.
I am switching to Yazmin next month because of the bloating issue and also I've had some mild-moderate mood issues which may or may not be related to the Ring (could just be stress!). If it doesn't work, I'll go back to the Ring because the side-effects are mild enough to tolerate.
2I use it and have been for about 3 years now.
It's actually the only BC I've used, so I can't really compare it to the pill or anything.
Like running said, I don't feel it, husband doesn't feel it. I've never had it slip out during ANYthing (I work out and run a lot too, I've heard a lot of women say they're afraid of it coming out from running).
If you are comfortable inserting a tampon, you'll be comfortable inserting the ring. It is very convenient to only have to think about it twice a month.
I now have a VERY light period and it happens on the exact same day every cycle. I'm not 100% satisfied, but I also have no plans on changing BC.
3Here is my experience:
As a single girl, I loooooooooved it!
In a relationship, not so much. First of all, the guy could totally feel it. So I started taking it out before sex, which definitely defeated the purpose of having "worry-free" birth control. There were times that I forgot to put it back in. And it became annoying in a condom sense where i'd have to say "oh wait while i yank this thing out of my vag so we can have sex."
On the occasion that I did leave it in, it would often fall out during sex. One time, in fact, I did not notice until THE NEXT DAY when I saw it lying on the floor!! I switched back to the pill immediately after that incident.
As far as side effects and stuff, I didn't have any of those problems. I just saw it has a huge huge huge nuisance if you're sexually active.
Also, they're heat activated so don't leave 'em in your car in the summer!
Oh lastly, they were pretty expensive for me. $26 at Planned Parenthood while the pill is $15.
4Oh goodness me - they sound like more trouble than they are worth!
5They actually won't dish them out readily in the UK unless you can't take another form of contraception or are allergic to condoms.
I loved the idea of it, but it killed my sex drive (from what I understand this happens to a lot of women who use it) so I had to switch back to a pill. I hope in coming years there will be more versions of it (like there are a ton of different types of pills)
I hate taking pills, though. I wish all medication could be administered with a vaginal ring. I'd love to pop one in with antibiotics next time I have an infection.
I have seen a few things about nuvaring that say the "typical use" success rate is the same as the pill, and I always think that's an error since it's so much harder to mess up the ring.
6i love love love mine. the only negative i've found is that they cost more than the pill but for me its totally worth it. my bf doesn't feel it during sex or anything. i haven't had any side effects and i also use it for endometrosis as well and i haven't had any problems
7Hmm, so you have to replace it twice a month? I don't know... seems pricey and I'd always be afraid of it falling out or me forgetting to replace it or something. I'll stick to the pill, thanks!
8designerel: It's in for three weeks, then you take it out so you can have your period, then you put the new one in at the end of that week.
9I would never use the NuvaRing. My sister used it and she got two blood clots and almost died (luckily she works at the hospital). The doctor said it was from her birth control. Not worth the risk.
10TidalWave, how'd you get yours at PP for $26?!? I had to shelve out $49!
I've been using it for a couple of weeks and have noticed some crazy mood swings, which is weird because they were saying that it's supposed to suppress that. Other than extreme moodiness, don't see any bad side effects... but wtf, why'd I pay $49??? :riot:
11lattegoodness, i'm not sure! I know that I wasn't a student at the time so I probably was within one of their higher income levels but I don't really remember. This was five years ago and in Michigan. I guess different PP's have different pricing levels. Maybe you could double check though?
12Personally, switching from the pill to the ring was an excellent decision- no more crazy side effects, only having to think about it twice a month (instead of everyday with the pill- I am horrible with remembering to take medication) and I've never had a problem with it falling out during sex or any other strenuous activity. If you're not 100% happy with the pill, I recommend giving the ring a try. The price could be an issue but thankfully, my insurance picks up the cost.
13I have been on NuvaRing for almost a year now and I can't say enough good things about it. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I've never been on another form of hormonal BC, so I can't compare - however, I have no plans of switching.
With insurance, I get 3 months supply in the mail, which makes it cheaper. It comes out to be $20 for 3 months.. When I picked it up at the pharmacy, I had to pay $20 a month. Since they mail it, it comes overnight and with coldpacks (so, temperatures don't mess with it).
I haven't noticed a decrease in sex drive.. mine has stayed consistent. I had no weight gain or breast enlargement. It has never slipped out of me and my boyfriend says he almost never feels it and even said a few times that when he did feel it, it felt good hitting him. lol - Who knows?
It's easy to remember and I know I'd never remember to take a pill at the same time everyday. I don't know why you'd feel uncomfortable placing it up there if you're sexually active... hopefully every mature woman is comfortable enough to touch themselves.
14I was on the ring for 3 years and totally loved how practical it was (never used a morning after pill again!)
BUT
1. I had to take it out during sex because my BF could feel it (but he's quite... hmm... large!)
and
2. I just switched back to the pill because my boobs hurt SO MUCH I would cry. The ring has a lot of estrogen in it, and not much progesterone, so if you have a tendency to get sore, tender boobs before your period, FORGET IT! It got progressively worse the past 6 months, and for the past 2 I couldn't walk without wincing or sleep on my stomach or let my BF get anywhere near them -
so I had to call it quits, with much regret.
Apart from those 2 things (and the first one didn't bother me at all), I would say it was the greatest BC I've ever used, and I've tried it all (the pill, the patch,... etc)
15This will be the 6th year on the ring. Seems kinda daunting when I write that. I have never had a problem with it. I must say though that if a guy told me that he could feel it, I would say "tough sh*t" It's not worth it to remove it for the comfort of a guy who doesn't seem to realize that you have made the smart decision to be on birth control at all.
16I'm not comfortable using any kind of birth control and this thing sounds like a pain in the ass.
17I've been on NuvaRing for almost four years (with a four month break this past summer). It really works for me - no weight gain (in fact I gained weight when I went off of it!), no moodiness that I can tell, only a slight reduction in libido, short periods, no cramps, I only have to deal with it once a month. Also, with my ex I could feel it during sex and we took it out (replacing it ASAP afterwards, as you're allowed to do) but with my current BF we don't have to remove it! It's so easy.
18Just FYI, I've found it very easy to insert, it's never fallen out, and my boyfriends couldn't feel it (or it didn't bother them).
I think the reason it's not in wide use in the UK is because it's very expensive. They give you the cheapest BC available over there (I lived there for several years). The side effects of NuvaRing are *nothing* compared to whatever generic high-dose British pill I started on - that made me nuts.
I like NuvaRing because it is one of the lower-dose hormonal BC methods you can use. My boobs did grow a full cup size when I went back on it this fall, though!
19I'm with Liss. I won't be using it anymore or recommending it. It stopped my body's production of estrogen and put me into a pre-menupausal phase at 23. My hormones started back up and evened out immediately after getting off of it. It was really scary.
20I have been on the ring for 8+ years and never once had a problem. It's nice because normally I would insert one for three weeks, and then ovulate for my fourth week of the month, but if I am going on vacation or what not - it is designed for 4 weeks of insertion.. so I can work with it easier than I can the pill.
I was not compliant with the pill, so this is much more efficient and safe for me. I don't break out or have mood swings like I did on the pill either. Also, none of my sexual partners have ever felt it during sex. Like doucet - If the guy did complain - I'd tell him the same. I'd rather be protected.. get used to the feel.
21i'd just rather take the pill thanks. not that hard right? and I know my guy will feel it. lol. seems more of a nuisance than "spontaneous" like the articles says.
22I was on the Nuvaring for two years, and found it quite easy to deal with. I always forgot to take the pill daily, so I switched to OrthoEvra (the patch). However, (some of you may remember this) it was discovered that OrthoEvra had some dangerously high levels of estrogen, so I switched to Nuvaring.
It fell out once or so during sex, but quite honestly, if you are (like me) looking for low maintenance birth control, then this actually did fit the bill.
I ended up quitting it about a year and a half ago after my sister (under the age of 30 and a non-smoker) had a nearly-fatal blood clot caused by her Nuvaring. It turns out that my family has an aversion to estrogen and that I shouldn't ever use estrogen-based bc again. That said, I know have a progesterone-based IUD (Mirena) and absolutely love it! Talk about low-maintenance birth control!
My recommendation to any women considering any type of hormonal (estrogen specifically) birth control is to really think about what you are putting in your body. I know that most of us think the risks don't apply to us if we of young and healthy, but you may never know what risks lie dormant. There is some very good non-estrogen based birth control out there, and don't ever be hesitant to discuss those options with your doctor.
23I've just switched from the pill to the nuvaring, so far its fantastic! I can't feel it, it was easy to put in and remove, the only side effect is that I'm constantly hungry. I mean constantly!
24I'm also on it, so this article is interesting, and to read the experiences of other sugar members...
Personally, I did have some problems with it when I first started, I couldn't get it to stay up inside, it would slip down, but I learnt a different way to insert it and haven't had a problem since.
It's easy and trouble free. The bf says he can feel it with his fingers, but not during actual sex.
I've heard it's SLIGHTLY less effective than the pill (assuming that the pill is being used 100% correctly) but I reckon they'd be pretty even for most people, since it's easy to forget to take it, take it late or whatever...
I've had no side effects from using it, no crazy weight gain like I had with the pill, no wild moodswings, my periods are from tuesday to friday... it's awesome.
I'm thinking of swapping to something more effective though. Anyone have anything they'd recommend?
25My understanding of it's effectiveness is that they are eerily close. I think the Rung is 99% while the pill is 99.9% when taken, like you said, 100% correctly.
I don't think there is anything more effective out there.. other than making sure your partner is protected as well (condom, etc)
26Ime77--Progesterone-only birth control can have side-effects too (bone loss, weight gain, ovarian cysts, etc.) But you're right, the important thing is to talk to your doctor and see what's right for you. Everyone is different. Women should make sure their doctor knows their family medical history as well as their own to help them choose the safest option. And don't be afraid to call your doctor if you have concerns. You are not wasting their time. It's their job.
27I love the ring! With my insurance, it's only $11/month, which is awesome. I've never, EVER had it fall out during anything (swimming, working out, sex, etc.) and it's great for me because my daily schedule is so irregular that it's impossible for me to remember the pill. I didn't gain any weight at all, and it's improved my cramps as well. I was definitely a little moody when I first started it but I'm totally fine now.
It did decrease my sex drive a little but it might also just be that I've gotten busier, too. My boyfriend doesn't feel it at all and I'm rarely aware of it. Actually, the only problem I've had with it is that I'm usually so unaware of it that I'm more likely to forget to take it out at the end of the three weeks, which is really my fault for not being better about my calendar =/
28Sorry, dear, but you're incorrect in saying that it can slip out easily!
I'm disappointed,
but not surprised, that you would spread such a misconception on your site.
29I've used the Ortho-tri-cyclen (pill) and NuvaRing.
On the pill, I had ridiculous mood swings, spotting, paralyzing cramps, tender breasts and NO libido to speak of. Oh yes, and I was on the pill for quite a while waiting for these side effects to go away, like they're expected to after 2-3 months.
On NuvaRing, I had a libido again. No mood swings, cramping and breast tenderness only happened on my period (which is normal for me). Everything else was pretty much the way it was supposed to be. Couldn't feel it. Easier to keep track of. Once during sex, my husband DID pull out with it around his penis (like some kind of ring-toss game) but other than that, it never came out.
The only thing I really have against it is that, since I stopped using NuvaRing, I've had small amounts of nipple-discharge, and the only explanation anyone can find for it is that the NuvaRing messed with my hormones. It doesn't seem to be doing any harm though.
30hey dear sugar have you done one of these on an IUD? I'd be interested in hearing about that!
31I've been using the ring for four months, so not long compared to some. But I like it FAR better than the pill. My husband said I am less moody (I had to promise not to get mad to get a response out of him). He can feel it, but only sometimes he said. And he wouldn't even had mentioned it if I hadn't asked out of curiosity.
32My 17 month old daughter is my proof on how well the Nuvaring worked for me. After I had my daughter I was talking about birth control options to my doctor and she told me the Nuvaring was not that effective. I'm now on the Mirena and I absolutely love it! It stays in place for five years and I have no periods! My doctor also told me the only thing more effective than the Mirena was getting my tubes tied.
33I would like to see a pro's and cons of various IUD's as well, that'd be really interesting. I'm messing about with different forms of contraceptives at the moment and can't afford to go to the doctor to sit down for a while and have a decent chat without a set list of questions. (My doctors brilliant but the longer you're there the more you get charged)
I'd also like to see one for the implant.
34Autumn--I didn't know the implant was back on the market. That would be interesting to hear about!
One of my friends just got the hormone IUD. I'll ask how she likes it, but I guess it'll take her a few months to decide. She said they didn't recommend the copper IUD for anyone who has heavy periods or bad cramps. It's mostly for people with medical conditions or on drugs that are incompatible with hormonal BC.
35AWESOME AWESOME.
1) I used it for 5 years with NO side effects at all.
2) My man could feel it at first but it never bothered him after that.
3) BONUS - it got me to stop smoking!! yea!!
4) I lengthened it to 4 weeks in, 1 week out (this made it cheaper).
Also, I got pregnant one month after I stopped using it. Faster than I expected for sure!
I've used the Pill and the Depo shot. The Ring blew the other 2 out of the water.
36Coleeninater - Back when I was single, I used to make the Ring Toss game joke when warning a new guy about it!!! It never happened though, LOL I can't believe it did to you. Did you reward your husband with 2L of Coke?
37Colleeninator & plus_2_kid -- That happened to me too. My bf pulled out (to change positions) and goes "what the heck is that" and the ring was sitting firmly around his penis!! Obviously I switched to the pill right after that, but we still make jokes about it!
38I am a huge of the Nuva Ring!
My first birth control was the patch, when that was new... and I liked it, it worked, it was a bit tedious to keep checking etc... but hey~ no babies and it worked~ ;D (I even did the depo shot... a few times... but making the appointment each time, even if it was 3 months, was too much of a hassle for me)
So when Nuva Ring came out... oh like I started trying it when I was a Senior in High school... late 2004 or late 2005, I fell in love with it!
I still love the Nuva Ring. I have been using it ever since! I adore the idea that I only have to think about it 2 times a month... 1 time to put it in and the 2nd time to pull it out. It is so great~ Especially with my busy schedule, if I did not put alerts in my phone every week... in the days to put in and pull it out... I would probably forget! xD
You totally do not feel it in you at all~ and mine has always stayed in perfectly! As a point, I alwayyyysss feel tampons, no matter how much I try to fix it... to no avail, but the ring is not a problem.
Boyfriend has had no issue, he knows its there, because he felt it one time (and not by his penis).... but even during intercourse... never has popped out or been an issue!
I love! I am a hugeeee Fan... No babies~ no health issues... easy as heck to use... and I just refilled my prescription yesterday.
39I used NuvaRing for about a year. For my first cycle I was on it, I bled heavily nonstop the whole month. It was miserable, but I stuck it out and that cleared up. After that I didn't have any abnormal bleeding. I found the ring to be super convenient and effective. I didn't feel it once it was in, and the boyfriend never noticed it. However, the lasting side effect I had was depression. Because of that and the expense, I stopped taking the ring and we switched back to condoms. The depression vanished as though I'd flipped a switch. Much as I liked the convenience of the ring, it was not worth sacrificing my mental health. I won't be going back to it.
I know other women who haven't had a single negative side effect from the ring, and love it. If I hadn't had side effects, I would have loved it too. Just be prepared -- they don't tell you that depression and mood swings can happen with the Ring, but it does happen to some women (you're changing your body's hormonal balance; OF COURSE it happens!).
40My experience with Nuva Ring
I started Nuva Ring when I was 40 years old and got married not too long ago. I have two kids and they are in there late teens. My new husband does not want to have any kids, so I've been on Nuva Ring for two years because I was always really bad about remembering to take the pill so the Nuva Ring is GREAT for me and I love it!!! It's very convenient, being able to just forget about birth control for a month. But for some reason I think that I got a hold of a bad batch and I am having problem with them. If you have experienced the following symptoms, please consult with your doctor:
41Depression: because I thought that I was pregnant, so I hit an extreme low.
The first time I used the ring I had itching, discharge, burning and yeast infection.
Headaches, Mood swings, bloating, gas, cramps, emotional, pelvis pain, hair loss, my vision has change, constant fatigue and lack of motivation and I have gained about 20 pounds. I get headaches all the time. I'm CONSTANTLY tired, but I do have to get up to go to work. My experience the first time using the ring was an infections and burning and it went away after the second time I used it. I didn’t know the ring was the cause of the infections it until now. After two years I have been passing blood clots and bleeding know for three weeks, I even thought that I was pregnant and I lost the baby and for three days and I was very depress, afraid that I really miscarried a baby and on Friday I took a pregnancy test and it came negative. I made an appointment with my OB/GYM doctor and he also did a pregnancy test and it came negative and we didn’t know the reason why I was bleeding for so long and he also gave me medicine to stop the bleeding and also gave me iron pill for my anemic, since I lost so much blood. He told me he would do some test and find out why I am bleeding so much, so he did other test and schedule a Tran’s vaginal ultra sound sonogram test. The doctor found out that I have 3 fibroids in the uterus and the doctor suggested having D/C uterine scraping, so that I don’t get any cancer in my uterus. I talk with my husband and also decided to do a hysterectomy. Surgery went well, I am still here. I schedule the surgery on a Friday and back to work on Monday. Now I am concentrating on getting better and try to loose the weight. NOTE: I have read that soo many of you have problems in the libido or sex drive. I never had a problem in that department. I meet a great man and we both love having sex, before I started the Nuva Ring and during using the ring and after the operation have not lost the edge of having sex two to three times a day. I think many of just don’t find the time, too busy with work or busy with the kids, lost that loving feeling. I am too in love and love doing it.
I hope this was helpful.
I wouldn't say you have to check it frequently to make sure it is in place. It is more like you have to check it after sex. I suppose every woman is different so its possible it doesn't stay in well for every woman. I used it for 1+ years before stopping to try and get pregnant.
I loved this method of birth control, especially how soon it was out of your system if you wanted to try and get pregnant. And I was never very good at remembering to take the pill every day, so it was more reliable and convenient for me.
I noticed no change in my libido, but did see the typical weight gain associated with other methods of BC. The risks of blood clots etc are definitely things to talk to your doctor about!
42So... I really like the ring, but the cost is making it not feasible to use! Why is it so expensive? I checked with Planned Parenthoods all over the place that are anywhere near me, and the cost is between $49 and $72! What gives? I got a Rx from the dr, and it was still $50 with my insurance. What a rip!
Anyone else have this experience?
43i just started using the nuvaring, and im hoping it works for me because ive never been on any birth control and already have one kid. But i was wondering if its ok to feel the ring when you check in there. For example i dont have any problems with it slipping out or anything, it stays only in one place even after sex but is it ok if i can feel the tip of it? i mean even if i push it farther back it goes back to that place.
44And also im terrifeid of gaining wieght since i hera it sometimes happens with pills. But i havent heard anyone mention anything about that.
I've been on it for about 2 years and I love it. I switched from YAZ which made me crazy so the ring is perfect. It's true that some guys can feel it but taking it out before and inserting it (this sounds really graphic I'm sorry) after works for me. I recently got off it when I was no longer in a relationship and my body went through too many changes so I got back on it.
45Don't use nuvaring! I'm 36 and I was on the nuvaring for 4 yrs. I just got off the nuvaring in Dec. and my hair has been falling out ever since! It's June and at this rate I will be bald by Sept. When I was on it I had depression and I went to be treated for that and also paid alot of money on Dr. visits for them to tell me it has to run it's course and get out of my body. It could take up to a year for your hormones to go back after nuvaring!! Please don't try it I wish I would just used the pill.
46I started on the Nuva Ring about 1 year ago. I was previously taking a mono phasic pill. Intially, I thought the ring was the greatest thing ever. However, about 2 months into the ring I noticed an extreme decrease in sex drive. I am relieved to know that this is common (I thought it was just me). My husband says that he sometimes can feel it and I could feel it as well during intercourse. I think that this contributed to my decrease in drive. It was very upsetting for our relationship as I avoided sexual contact and my husband couldn't understand why and I couldn't explain it.
47The last 3 months I have actually had problems with it protruding out of my vagina no matter what I do. I insert just as my health care provider suggested but I can be walking around and essentially the bottom 1/8 will slip and protrude outward. Even after re-insertion it still slips. I am switching back to a pill as soon as this cycle is over. I do not feel it is the best method. I would not recommened it if you have no problem taking a pill. If you chronically forget it might be worthwhile, but too much hassle.
I took the pill for five years before I switched to the Nuvaring. I would constantly forget to take the pills, so I thought the ring would be a better option. I switched from Ortho Tri-Cyclen (not the low dose kind) to the Nuvaring and had no weird side effects or differences that I have noticed. I have been on the Nuvaring for 5 months now.
The only problem I have had is that is falls out about half the time when I have sex. This is not a big deal for me because I am in a committed relationship and he is just happy I am protected. It doesn't bother him when it falls out, so I guess it depends who you are with.
Some people have mentioned not knowing it fell out. I always check after sex while cleaning up. It is not hard to just stick a clean finger in to double check.
Overall, I love the Nuvaring. It is 99% effective and I don't have to remember to take a pill every single day. I plan to stay on this for quite a few more years until I am ready for kids.
48I've been on the ring for 20 days now (I take it out tomarow). Everything seems okay but im having horrible nightmares about my boyfriend, depression, irritbility, and well Im just a little intimidated by all the "Ohhhh! Your going to get a blod clot and die!" and the "well I still got pregnnt on it, see how well it worked?"
49i just started my nuva ring and i love it . i cant feel at all i was kinda worried about it cause how they explain it to at the doctors but . i hav not felt and my fiance cant feel it when we have sex ... i have used many diffrent bc and this one i like alot . if u have medcade they will pay for hte nuva rig witch is great .. i think it is better to have this then the pill cause of forgettin and haveing a 10 month old i get destracted fast. so i got a calender and put it in my bathroom where i can see it to keep track of my nuva ring and periods
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