Compare NuvaRing vs. Depo-Provera
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- Nuvaring (etonogestrel / ethinyl estradiol)Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera)
- Nuvaring (etonogestrel / ethinyl estradiol)Medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera)
Summary of NuvaRing vs. Depo-Provera
Summary for Progestin / Estrogen combined contraceptivePrescription onlyNuvaRing (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.
Summary for ProgestinPrescription onlyMedroxyprogesterone 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 of NuvaRing vs. Depo-Provera
Indications for•Prevention of pregnancyIndications for•To prevent pregnancyPros and Cons of NuvaRing vs. Depo-Provera
Pros and Const for Progestin / Estrogen combined contraceptivePros•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 directedCons•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 breaksPros and Const for ProgestinPros•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 genericCons•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 providerCommon Side Effects of NuvaRing vs. Depo-Provera
Common Side Effects for•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%)Common Side Effects forDepo-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%)•Irregular bleeding (18%)•Headache (9%)•Weight gain (7%)•No menstrual period (6%)•Injection site pain, skin changes (6%)Warnings of NuvaRing vs. Depo-Provera
Common Side Effects for•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 cancerCommon Side Effects for•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 problemsPrices with our coupons for NuvaRing vs. Depo-Provera
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