What are the disadvantages of the birth control ring?

You have to stay on schedule.

It’s really important to always put your ring in on time, or you might not be protected from pregnancy. Using our birth control app, setting a reminder, or marking your calendar can help you stay on schedule.

If you have a really busy life and think you won’t stay on top of your ring schedule, check out other birth control methods like IUDs or the implant that are super low-maintenance and almost impossible to mess up. Explore different birth control methods to find the method that’s best for you.

There can be negative side effects.

Like with all medicines, the birth control ring can have some side effects. But most usually go away after 2 or 3 months. Many people use the ring with no problems at all. You can keep track of any side effects with our app.

The most common side effects are spotting or bleeding between periods, sore breasts, nausea, or headaches. But these usually go away after 2 or 3 months, and they don’t happen to everyone who uses the ring. You may also have a little extra vaginal wetness when using the ring. 

Birth control shouldn’t make you feel sick or uncomfortable. Luckily, there are many different types of birth control, so you’ve got options. If you keep having side effects that bother you after using the ring for 3 months, talk with your nurse or doctor about trying another birth control method. But don’t stop using the ring without starting a new method if you can, or you won’t be protected from pregnancy.

There can be some rare but serious risks.

Serious problems from using the ring are very rare. People using birth control that has estrogen, like the birth control ring, have a slightly higher chance of having a few rare but dangerous problems than people who don’t use birth control with hormones. Read more about birth control ring safety.

For more information about side effects and risks, talk with your nurse or doctor or read the package insert that came with your birth control ring.