Health benefits
With typical use, the contraceptive vaginal ring is 93% effective in preventing pregnancy. If used correctly, it can be 99% effective.
It can reduce menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, and ovulation pains.
It may give you regular, less painful, and lighter periods.
The ring may decrease the risk of developing endometrial (uterine) and breast cancer by 50%.
It may offer protection against ovarian cysts.
It reduces the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (irregular bleeding, acne, excess hair on the face or body).
It may offer protection against some non-cancerous (benign) breast diseases.
It may help to protect against iron-deficiency anemia.
It may have cosmetic advantages such that it helps to clear up acne and reduce excessive hair on the face and body.
The ring has a lower dose of hormones compared to other hormonal contraceptive methods [5].
Lifestyle benefits
It’s easy to use – it is like putting in a tampon – and it requires relatively little effort each month. If you are scared of needles, or you are the kind of person who has trouble remembering to take a pill every day, the ring might be a good option for you. You only need to remember to do something twice a month.
It requires moderate effort: insert the ring, wait three weeks, remove the ring, wait one week, then repeat another cycle.
It’s flexible enough to fit any vagina.
It is safe for women with latex allergies.
It’s private. No one sees you take it like they would a pill.
You do not need to interrupt sex to use it.
Unlike a daily birth control pill, you don’t have to remember to take it.
You can skip your period. When used continuously, the ring allows you the option to skip your period altogether, and this is 100% safe.
It does not delay a return to fertility. You will be able to get pregnant soon after you remove the ring. If you do not want to get pregnant, you should insert another ring or protect yourself with a different method of contraception [6].
