NuvaRing vs. IUDs: Benefits, side effects, and more

Advancements in birth control methods have made family planning more convenient. Two options gaining in popularity are IUDs and the vaginal ring. The vaginal ring is commonly known by one of its brands, NuvaRing. 

These are both effective ways to help prevent pregnancy. They may also have other benefits, such as helping with acne. The NuvaRing is a hormonal method. IUDs may be hormonal or nonhormonal (called the copper IUD).

Learning more about these methods and their effectiveness, benefits, and side effects can help you decide on a birth control method that works for you.

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article uses the term “women” when discussing people assigned female at birth to reflect language that appears in source materials. 

While gender is solely about how you identify yourself, independent of your physical body, you may need to consider how your personal circumstances will affect diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment. Learn more about the difference between sex and gender here.

NuvaRing 

The NuvaRing is a plastic ring that is small and flexible enough to fit inside the vagina. Once inside, it releases hormones into the body that help prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and thickening the mucus surrounding the cervix. This makes it harder for sperm to pass through.

The NuvaRing is about 99% effective if used perfectly — that is, if you insert it correctly and at the right time every month.

A NuvaRing should stay in your vagina for 3 weeks before you remove it for 7 days. At this time, you should experience a period. After the break, you can insert a new ring. If you insert the new ring late, it can lower its effectiveness.

You should keep this schedule in mind when deciding whether to try NuvaRing.

Another consideration is the side effects of the hormones released in the body, which are synthetic (human-made) versions of estrogen and progestogen, called ethinyl estradiol and etonogestrel, respectively.

These side effects can include spotting, breast tenderness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight gain or loss, acne, or changes in sexual desire. 

Rare but serious side effects of any hormonal forms of birth control include heart attack, stroke, and blood clots.

Some people also report vaginal discomfort or unusual body sensations due to the fact that the ring is inserted into the vagina, although inserting a NuvaRing should be painless and you shouldn’t feel it if it’s been inserted correctly.

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IUDs

This T-shaped contraceptive device comes in two forms: hormonal and copper, which is nonhormonal. In both cases, it prevents pregnancy by blocking sperm from reaching an egg. As the name suggests, the hormonal version of the device releases progestin, which is a synthetic form of the hormone called progesterone. 

This hormone thickens the mucus lining the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg. Brand names for the drug include Mirena, Skyla, or Liletta. These different brands come in different strengths, and you can leave them in for different lengths of time.

The strongest IUDs can last for up to 8 years while others can be left in for 3 years, according to Planned Parenthood.

The other type of IUD, known under the brand name ParaGard, releases copper instead of hormones. Copper causes an immune response in the uterus, which makes it a toxic environment for sperm. It is effective for up to 10 years.

Both types are inserted and removed by a medical professional. This process can cause momentary pain for some people. The IUD is considered one of the most effective forms of contraception, being more than 99% effective. And it has the added bonus that you don’t need to regularly remember to replace it.

In the case of the hormonal IUD, there are side effects associated with the progestin, including irregular bleeding or, in some cases, your period may stop altogether. The copper IUD can sometimes cause periods to be heavier, longer, or more painful than usual, but this should improve after the first few months.

How to decide 

In order to decide which contraceptive is best for you, you’ll need to take into consideration the level of upkeep and the side effects of the hormones. For example, if you have heavy, painful periods, you may opt for a hormonal contraceptive, which can make periods lighter.

If you are already at risk for blood clots, you may want to speak with a doctor about the increased risk with hormonal contraception, such as the NuvaRing and hormonal IUD. A copper IUD may be the right choice for you in this case.

Some people may decide that an IUD is a more convenient contraceptive for long-term use. Once it’s inserted by a medical professional, it is effective for around 3–8 years (for the hormonal IUD) and for up to 10 years (for the copper IUD).

In comparison, the NuvaRing will need to be removed and reinserted on a monthly basis, though you can do this yourself at home. 

If bottom-line effectiveness is of primary importance, the IUD is considered slightly more effective. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the IUD results in less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women in a year, while the vaginal ring results in 6–12 pregnancies per 100 women in a year.

This might be because it is easier to make mistakes when using the NuvaRing since you insert it yourself. For example, you might not insert it at the right time or it may not be positioned correctly. When used perfectly, it should be almost as effective as the IUD.

Other contraceptives

Many other forms of birth control are considered effective and safe. One of the most popular is the birth control pill, which adjusts your hormones so that you don’t ovulate. Examples include Yasmin 28, Amethyst, and Apri.

Hormone injections are another option. Depo-Provera is an injection that is given every 3 months. It contains progestin, which prevents ovulation.

You may also want to try nonhormonal barrier options like condoms.

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Summary

Devices such as IUD and NuvaRing are safe and effective measures for preventing pregnancy. While they both offer comparable amounts of prevention, the biggest difference is the upkeep and hormones used. 

In order to determine which option is best for you, consider speaking with a healthcare professional about the side effects and maintenance of these options. Then, you can come to a joint decision about the options that are right for you.

It’s important to note that neither of these options is permanent. If you try them and they aren’t right for you, you can take the steps to remove them and try another option.

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