NuvaRing or Ortho Evra: Which is the Better Form of Birth Control?

If you want to use hormonal birth control and daily pills are not your cup of tea, then you are probably considering the patch and the ring. NuvaRing and Ortho Evra are becoming very popular forms of hormonal birth control, especially among young women with busy lifestyles. I have been on both forms of birth control and can tell you my experience with each one.

All About the Patch

Ortho Evra, popularly known as the birth control patch, was the first form of birth control I tried. Its appeal is in the ease of use. You simply peel of one patch each week and stick it on your buttocks, upper torso (but not your breasts), abdomen, or the outer part of your upper arm. It is easy to remember because you have a constant visual reminder on your body. You change your patch once a week for three weeks, then leave it off for the fourth week so you can get your period.

There were a few things about Orth Evra that I disliked. Unless you put it on your buttocks, the patch will be visible if you are wearing a bikini, which is potentially embarrassing. I also found that throughout the week, a sticky ring of adhesive and lint from my clothes would form around the patch. If I kept trying to clean it by rubbing it with a baby oil soaked washcloth, the area would become red and irritated. Sometimes a corner of the patch would start lifting up during the week, which could get very annoying. You also have to move the patch to a new area of skin each time you change it so that your skin doesn't get too irritated.

All About the Ring

NuvaRing, also known as the birth control ring, is great because you only have to worry about it once a month. The ring is inserted into the vagina once a month and left there for three weeks. After three weeks you can remove the ring and begin menstruating. The ring is flexible and easy to insert, similar to a tampon.

The only problem I have experienced with the ring is that it sometimes slips down and becomes uncomfortable. When that happens, the only remedy is to simply push it back up again.

Which is Better: The Patch or the Ring?

In my experience, NuvaRing has been easier to use and less irritating than Ortho Evra. I only have to worry about the ring once a month, instead of every week like I did with the patch. The ring is not visible on my body like the patch was. While at first I was afraid that the ring might hurt or be difficult to insert, I found that it was easy to use and most of the time I can barely feel it. I no longer have the skin irritation I had with the patch, and I don't have to worry about it coming off in the water.

Disclaimer: Both NuvaRing and Ortho Evra are forms of birth control that do not prevent STDs. This article is not meant to be taken as medical advice, and you should check with your doctor if you have any questions about birth control.

Sources:

www.orthoevra.com

www.nuvaring.com