Contraception Reviews

Vaginal ring vs Birth control implant

Vaginal ring

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Birth control implant

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Overview

Rated 3.0

9 reviews

3 weekly

Frequency

91% - 99+%

Effectiveness

Increased

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Rated 3.3

40 reviews

Every 3 years

Frequency

Over 99%

Effectiveness

None

Blood clot risk

None

Effect on fertility

Vaginal ring ingredients

Main hormones in Vaginal ring

progestin


Birth control implant ingredients

Main hormones in Birth control implant

What Lowdown reviewers say

Mood

33% no impact on mood

Bleeds

44% lighter periods

Sex drive

56% lost sex drive

Weight

67% gained weight

Skin

33% improved skin

Cycle return

33% in 1 month

Mood

30% no impact on mood

Bleeds

53% spotting

Sex drive

40% lost sex drive

Weight

43% gained weight

Skin

35% no impact on skin

Cycle return

75% don’t know impact

Benefits: What this birth control can help with

Acne or bad skin

Heavy periods

PMS and PMDD

PCOS symptoms

Period pain

Period pain

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Check out our latest reviews

Real life reviews from people like you

Vaginal ring reviews

9 reviews

Vaginal ring  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  6th Jun 24

NuvaRing  

I like the ring, I have gained a bit of weight though. I am also very nervous about blood clot risk so I might switch to minipill, but the ring has made my periods very bearable and I can choose to only have them every two months! I also had a decrease in body acne on the ring, particularly on my back. I would recommend this method if you are not overweight, smoke, or are over 35 as the risk of blood clots goes does a lot and it’s easy to use! I also have experienced headaches for the first time in my life since being on this, they’re mild but not fun.

Read more

Improved skin

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
38 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  17th Mar 24

Annovera ring  

This birth control caused me to have 2 strokes and I almost died. I do not recommend it at all. My doctor insisted I use it and within the first year I had more frequent and more severe headaches. I gained a ton of weight and my cholesterol shot up despite my being a very active vegetarian and working with a dietician. After 18 months on it I had my first stroke and it went undiagnosed, I had a severe headache and I went blind. The hospital sent me home and told me it was "just a migraine." 10 months later I had a massive bilateral stroke that has ruined my life. I am only in my 30s. Run far away from this medication.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 8+ yr
29 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2nd Feb 24

NuvaRing  

I was on this birth control for 10 years until I got a blood clot and had to be on blood thinners for a month. Not fun.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  6th Jun 24

NuvaRing  

I like the ring, I have gained a bit of weight though. I am also very nervous about blood clot risk so I might switch to minipill, but the ring has made my periods very bearable and I can choose to only have them every two months! I also had a decrease in body acne on the ring, particularly on my back. I would recommend this method if you are not overweight, smoke, or are over 35 as the risk of blood clots goes does a lot and it’s easy to use! I also have experienced headaches for the first time in my life since being on this, they’re mild but not fun.


Improved skin

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
38 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  17th Mar 24

Annovera ring  

This birth control caused me to have 2 strokes and I almost died. I do not recommend it at all. My doctor insisted I use it and within the first year I had more frequent and more severe headaches. I gained a ton of weight and my cholesterol shot up despite my being a very active vegetarian and working with a dietician. After 18 months on it I had my first stroke and it went undiagnosed, I had a severe headache and I went blind. The hospital sent me home and told me it was "just a migraine." 10 months later I had a massive bilateral stroke that has ruined my life. I am only in my 30s. Run far away from this medication.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Vaginal ring  
Used for 8+ yr
29 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2nd Feb 24

NuvaRing  

I was on this birth control for 10 years until I got a blood clot and had to be on blood thinners for a month. Not fun.


Somewhat negative mood

2 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments


Birth control implant reviews

40 reviews

Birth control implant  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  today

Nexplanon implant  

I am 27, and I have been on some form of hormonal birth control since I turned 15. I have used Nexplanon for the last 5 years. Overall, it was a good pick for me because of my irregular schedule and my inability to remember to take something at the same time every day. An IUD was not an option for me because of some family medical history, and at the time that I was looking, I was told that I was not a candidate for Nuvaring. Nexplanon did make my periods significantly lighter, and for a while I didn’t have a period at all. Now my cycles are very irregular (anywhere from 29-44 days in between period start dates) it lasts 2-3 days, and I can survive with light and regular tampons. Before the implant, I had heavy periods that would last at least a week, and I would go through boxes of the super and super plus tampons. I usually had minimal cramping with Nexplanon, although, as I am nearing the end of this second implant, I do think my cramps are starting to become stronger. I have gained quite a bit of weight while I’ve been on it. I'm 5’6” tall, and I started out at 195 lbs in August of 2018. I was at 225 lbs By December of 2019 (16 months/30 lbs), and 250lbs by January 2022 (41 months/55 lbs). My heaviest was in November of 2023 at 271lbs (51 months/76lbs). I’m currently weighing in at 265 lbs (61 months/70lbs). I do not think that all of my weight is attributed to the implant. I think I have some other factors that have contributed to my specific scenario, but I am curious to see how my weight changes once I have this one removed. I think my plan is to go hormone-free after this implant to give my body some time to regulate itself, and see how hormone-free feels.


Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
37 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  today

Nexplanon implant  

Had headaches, Lower Back pain, Spotting Brown. Had period like cramps while on Nexplanon.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
36 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

Birth control implant  

Quite helpful, but the discharge is my concern because i smells alot


Somewhat negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  today

Nexplanon implant  

I am 27, and I have been on some form of hormonal birth control since I turned 15. I have used Nexplanon for the last 5 years. Overall, it was a good pick for me because of my irregular schedule and my inability to remember to take something at the same time every day. An IUD was not an option for me because of some family medical history, and at the time that I was looking, I was told that I was not a candidate for Nuvaring. Nexplanon did make my periods significantly lighter, and for a while I didn’t have a period at all. Now my cycles are very irregular (anywhere from 29-44 days in between period start dates) it lasts 2-3 days, and I can survive with light and regular tampons. Before the implant, I had heavy periods that would last at least a week, and I would go through boxes of the super and super plus tampons. I usually had minimal cramping with Nexplanon, although, as I am nearing the end of this second implant, I do think my cramps are starting to become stronger. I have gained quite a bit of weight while I’ve been on it. I'm 5’6” tall, and I started out at 195 lbs in August of 2018. I was at 225 lbs By December of 2019 (16 months/30 lbs), and 250lbs by January 2022 (41 months/55 lbs). My heaviest was in November of 2023 at 271lbs (51 months/76lbs). I’m currently weighing in at 265 lbs (61 months/70lbs). I do not think that all of my weight is attributed to the implant. I think I have some other factors that have contributed to my specific scenario, but I am curious to see how my weight changes once I have this one removed. I think my plan is to go hormone-free after this implant to give my body some time to regulate itself, and see how hormone-free feels.


Gained weight

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 1 - 3 mo
37 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  today

Nexplanon implant  

Had headaches, Lower Back pain, Spotting Brown. Had period like cramps while on Nexplanon.


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
36 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  2 weeks ago

Birth control implant  

Quite helpful, but the discharge is my concern because i smells alot


Somewhat negative mood

3 more effects

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
18 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  1 month ago

Nexplanon implant  

Gained a lot of weight at the beginning 110 -> 120 and now losing a lot -> 100 would have period every day for a month long, none for months, or 5 days of blood every 2 weeks i love and hate it


Very negative mood

1 more effect

0 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
37 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  9th Oct 24

Birth control implant  

I didn't even want the IUD but my doctor kept pushing it so I just gave in and then after my surgery to get rid of my fibroids, I got constant night sweats EVERY NIGHT. I reported the side effects but they only suggested that I have diabetes or a thyroid problem. I did the tests, negative. Then they said they would give me a lower dose. I told them to take it out. Had to have another doctor to remove it.


Somewhat negative mood

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 3 - 5 yr
28 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  22nd Jun 24

Nexplanon implant  

To start, I gained about 20 pounds. My periods were sometimes non existent and then I would have a two week period, then two days of no bleeding, followed by another two week period. After a while the implant migrated in my arm and started to cause aches whenever I exercised. I could handle most side effects but the real issue was low libido. The implant made me actively avoid sex and even be a little repulsed by it. It definitely hurt my relationship. I did love the security of it and how little I had to worry about getting pregnant.


Decreased sex drive

1 more effect

1 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 8+ yr
30 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  21st Jun 24

Nexplanon implant  

I am approaching the removal date for my 3rd nexplanon. I’m researching alternative non hormonal options but may just go with another nexplanon as it has been nothing but positive for me for nearly a decade. I decided to leave this review to remind anyone reading that while reviews and the experiences of others are important, everyone is different and will react to birth control methods differently. The nexplanon has been extremely reliable for me with little to no noticeable negative reactions and it could be for you too.


Top side effects not reported

1 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 5 - 8 yr
26 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  13th Jun 24

Nexplanon implant  

Mostly experienced irregular periods


Somewhat positive mood

1 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 12 - 18 mo
22 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  5th Apr 24

Nexplanon implant  

This is a good birth control compared to the other options. I previously tried the patches and it gave me an allergic reaction. Anyways, It was uncomfortable when they first insert the implant into your arm but then you get used to it. I will say that it is different for everyone but for me it has given me more acne spots, regulatted my periods, and given me more facial hair. Those being the only cons.


Worse skin

1 helpful

0 comments

Birth control implant  
Used for 6 - 12 mo
19 years old
🇺🇸 US
  •  29th Mar 24

Nexplanon implant  

This birth control severely impacted my mental and physical health. This includes anxiety, depression, pelvic pain, irregular periods, heavy periods, spotting, headaches, laziness, grogginess, etc. Please do your research! Speak with a doctor you trust or multiple! Lastly, please consider if birth control is worth the side effects.


Very negative mood

2 more effects

2 helpful

0 comments

Birth control alternatives and comparisons

Compare the Vaginal ring with other birth control

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