Approved for use in the U.S. in 2001 by the FDA, NuvaRing is a form of vaginal ring hormone contraception. This thin ring is constructed of very flexible blend of polymer and ethylene vinyl that’s inserted into the vagina similarly to a tampon or Diva cup. The ring contains a mix of hormones (i.e., estrogen and progestin), which Yale Medical School doctors explain impedes ovulation, or egg release via the ovaries to stop sperm to egg fertilization while causing the mucus layer in the cervix and uterine linings to thicken so sperm can’t reach an egg. 

The vaginal ring may be a newer form of birth control, but here’s why many women prefer it to the birth control pill:

1. One ring fits all

NuvaRing offers the ultimate in flexibility when it comes to contraception that lasts 3 weeks to a month without any stress. The vaginal ring is extremely flexible to stretch, bend, and fit within vaginas of varying shapes and sizes because it’s made of a transparent, non-biodegradable ring that’s 54-millimeters by 4 millimeters in size. With that in mind, NuvaRing prevents pregnancy in 99 out of every 100 women. However, it is not effective against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

2. Reduces premenstrual syndrome

If you suffer from migraines, bloating, abdominal cramps and other premenstrual syndrome symptoms, you’ll be happy to know that NuvaRing users report significantly less symptoms while using the vaginal ring. This is due to the progestin within, which reduces thickening (and shedding) of the uterine lining, a prime source of these painful symptoms. Users also report less acne thanks to the progestin (which lowers androgen triggered sebum), and are lower risk of developing uterine cancer. 

3. Less breakthrough bleeding

If you’ve suffered from breakthrough bleeding, a common side effect of oral birth control pills, NuvaRing may provide some relief. While NuvaRing uses similar hormones as oral birth control, the long-term insertion of the ring is believed to prevent random bleeding and spotting common in daily pill users.

4. Less wait to conceive

While many women use hormonal birth control to prevent pregnancy, once they do decide it’s time to get pregnant, it can take time for hormones to leave the body, especially if they’ve taken birth control pills long term. However, with the vaginal ring, the majority of women can get pregnant immediately after removal. Medical doctors describe it as your ovaries “waking up” right away offering the chance to conceive pretty much immediately.