Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare NuvaRing vs. Mirena

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Nuvaring (etonogestrel / ethinyl estradiol)
    Mirena iud (levonorgestrel)
  • Nuvaring (etonogestrel / ethinyl estradiol)
    Mirena iud (levonorgestrel)

  • Summary of NuvaRing vs. Mirena

    Summary for Progestin / Estrogen combined contraceptive
    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.

    Summary for Progestin
    Prescription only

    Mirena (levonorgestrel) is a progestin intrauterine device (IUD). It's approved for females of reproductive age to prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years. It can also help relieve heavy menstrual periods for up to 5 years. Mirena IUD (levonorgestrel) is inserted into the uterus by a provider in their office. Some of the more common side effects of Mirena IUD (levonorgestrel) include changes to menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain. Rarely, it can also cause some weight gain.

  • Indications of NuvaRing vs. Mirena

    Indications for
    •Prevention of pregnancy
    Indications for
    •Prevent pregnancy for up to 8 years
    •Relieve heavy menstrual periods for up to 5 years

  • Pros and Cons of NuvaRing vs. Mirena

    Pros and Const for Progestin / Estrogen combined contraceptive
    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
    Pros and Const for Progestin
    Pros
    •Work better than (works better) oral birth control pills to prevent pregnancy
    •Can be used while breastfeeding
    •Can be inserted in your provider's office within a few minutes and without any kind of sedation (medication to put you asleep)
    •Helps relieve heavy menstrual periods for up to 5 years
    Cons
    •Can raise your risk of an ectopic pregnancy
    •Breakthrough bleeding and irregular cycles are common side effects
    •Not safe to use if you have liver problems or have ever had breast, uterine, or cervical cancer
    •Can't be used if you have uterine fibroids, are prone to pelvic infections, or have pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

  • Common Side Effects of NuvaRing vs. Mirena

    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 for
    •Abnormal uterine bleeding (up to 32%)
    •Stomach or pelvic pain (23%)
    •No menstrual bleeding (18%)
    •Headaches or migraines (16%)
    •More vaginal discharge than usual (15%)
    •Vaginal irritation (11%)

  • Warnings of NuvaRing vs. Mirena

    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 cancer
    Common Side Effects for
    •Ectopic pregnancy
    •Sepsis (blood infection)
    •Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
    •Uterine injury
    •Body ejecting the device
    •Irregular periods
    •Ovarian cysts
    •Possible risk of cancer

  • Prices with our coupons for NuvaRing vs. Mirena

    Learn more about Nuvaring
    Learn more about Mirena iud

Compare other Birth Control drugs

Eluryng vs Nuvaring

Browse medications

View All

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