NuvaRing vs. Depo-Provera for Birth Control: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

NuvaRing

(etonogestrel / ethinyl estradiol)

Medroxyprogesterone

(Depo-Provera)

Summary for NuvaRing

Prescription only

NuvaRing (etonogestrel / ethinyl estradiol) can be used as birth control to help prevent pregnancy. It contains two hormones: a progestin and an estrogen. It's a latex-free, flexible plastic ring that’s inserted into the vagina. You keep it in your vagina for 3 weeks before you remove it for 1 week, and then you start again with a new ring. NuvaRing (etonogestrel / ethinyl estradiol) can cause side effects like headache and irritation in the vagina. Some people might also gain weight while using the medication. There are detailed instructions to help you use it properly. This birth control ring is available as brand-name and generic versions.

Indications for NuvaRing

Prevention of pregnancy

Pros and Cons for NuvaRing

Pros

A flexible plastic ring that you place into the vagina for 3 weeks at a time (not taken once a day)
Can insert and take out the birth control ring on your own
Very effective at preventing pregnancy when used as directed

Cons

Need to remember when to take out the ring and when to insert a new one
Can accidentally come out during sex, bowel movements, or if it breaks
Not recommended for people over 35 who smoke because of higher risk of blood clots and stroke

Common Side Effects for NuvaRing

Inflammation or irritation of the vagina (14%)
Headache, including migraine (11%)
Mood changes (e.g., depression, mood swings; 6%)
Device-related events (e.g., ring accidentally coming out, feeling discomfort in the vagina; 6%)
Nausea or vomiting (6%)
Vaginal discharge (6%)
Weight gain (5%)

Warnings for NuvaRing

Cigarette smoking and the risk of serious health problems
Risk of blood clots and related complications (e.g., heart attack, stroke)
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
Liver problems
High blood pressure
Vaginal irritation
Gallbladder problems
High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels
Possible risk of breast cancer or cervical cancer

Summary for Depo-Provera

Prescription only

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera, Depo-SubQ Provera) is a progestin-only birth control. It's injected into the muscles or under the skin once every 3 months by a healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy. It's also used to treat pain related to endometriosis. Some of the more common side effects of medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) include changes in menstrual bleeding, headache, and weight gain. Because receiving this medication long-term can weaken your bones, you can only use it for a maximum of 2 years, unless otherwise directed by your provider.

Indications for Depo-Provera

To prevent pregnancy
Pain related to endometriosis - Depo-SubQ Provera 104 only

Pros and Cons for Depo-Provera

Pros

Very effective at preventing pregnancy
Only has to be injected once every 3 months
Many people experience lighter or no periods while using it
Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

Can cause weight gain
Can cause bloating or fluid build-up
Not recommended for use longer than 2 years because of risk for weakened bones
Must be given by a healthcare provider

Common Side Effects for Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera

No menstrual period (up to 68%)
Irregular periods (up to 57%)
Weight gain (38%)
Headache (17%)
Stomach pain or discomfort (11%)
Nervousness (11%)
Dizziness (6%)
Lowered sex drive (5%)

Depo-SubQ Provera

Irregular bleeding (18%)
Headache (9%)
Weight gain (7%)
No menstrual period (6%)
Injection site pain, skin changes (6%)

Warnings for Depo-Provera

Weakened bones
Blood clots
Possible risk of breast cancer
Ectopic pregnancy
Irregular periods
Serious allergic and injection-site reactions
Bloating and weight gain
Slower return to fertility (after stopping medication)
Risk of seizures
Liver problems

Prices with our coupons for NuvaRing vs. Depo-Provera

NuvaRing1 ring / 0.12mg/0.015mg

$48.00$204.83

Get free coupons

More Information

Medroxyprogesterone1 syringe / 1ml of 150mg/ml

$34.14$51.93

Get free coupons

More Information

Compare other Birth Control drugs

Eluryng vs. Nuvaring Nuvaring vs. Depo-provera Nuvaring vs. Kyleena Nuvaring vs. Mirena Nuvaring vs. Nexplanon

Nuvaring vs. Paragard Nuvaring vs. Skyla Nuvaring vs. Xulane Implanon vs. Paragard

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare
NuvaRing vs. Depo-Provera

NuvaRing

Medroxyprogesterone

Summary for NuvaRing

Indications for NuvaRing

Pros and Cons for NuvaRing

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for NuvaRing

Warnings for NuvaRing

Summary for Depo-Provera

Indications for Depo-Provera

Pros and Cons for Depo-Provera

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Depo-Provera

Warnings for Depo-Provera

Prices with our coupons for NuvaRing vs. Depo-Provera

Compare other Birth Control drugs

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

NuvaRing

Medroxyprogesterone

Summary for NuvaRing

Indications for NuvaRing

Pros and Cons for NuvaRing

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for NuvaRing

Warnings for NuvaRing

Summary for Depo-Provera

Indications for Depo-Provera

Pros and Cons for Depo-Provera

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Depo-Provera

Warnings for Depo-Provera